Collins Class submarines HMAS Collins, HMAS Farncomb, HMAS Dechaineux and HMAS Sheean in formation. (Photo: Australian Department of Defence)
SINGAPORE — Australia will move ahead with plans to extend the lives of its Collins-class diesel electric submarines as an interim solution as it plans to transition to nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact.
The Australian Department of Defence announced on Tuesday that the program will see government-owned ASC (formerly known as the Australian Submarine Corporation) receive a $11 billion AUD ($7.8 billion) Life Of Type Extension (LOTE) program that will see the six submarines remain in service until the 2040s, 20 years longer than initially planned.
“Extending the life of all six Collins class submarines is critical to maintaining that edge as we transition the Navy from conventional to nuclear-powered submarines,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said in the announcement.
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