The Australian defense ministry has signed a five-year contract with Raytheon Australia for maintenance work on the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of Collins-class submarines.
The A$322 million (approx. US$201.6M) contract will provide in-service support for the Collins-class submarine combat system during Australia’s transition to nuclear-powered submarines.
Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment, Tony Dalton said the support would include a life-of-type extension – commencing in 2026, ongoing sustainment, and selected capability enhancements.
“The ongoing sustainment and upgrade of these boats will help maintain a capability advantage and ensure our fleet is ready to meet the challenges across our strategic environment,” Dalton said.
“We are committed to working closely with industry to sustain our Collins-class submarines, an important task that currently supports over 1600 jobs across South and West Australia.”
Australia is continuing to invest in the Collins-class of submarines as it seeks a next-generation submarine for its navy. After cancelling its contract with France for the delivery of 12 conventionally-powered attack submarines in September 2021, the country has turned to the option of buying its first ever nuclear-powered submarines.
The new submarines, which are yet to be identified, will be purchased under an agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom, dubbed AUKUS, which will see the US and UK share nuclear propulsion technology with Australia.
