Representatives from the Australian government and industry attended a Project of Concern Summit on Wednesday to discuss the Collins-class submarine life span expansion project.
Australia has committed up to $3.2 billion for 10 years to prolong the submarine class’ service life to ensure that the country will have no capability gaps between now and the transition to its future nuclear-powered submarines.
The Department of Defence and Osborne, South Australia-based shipbuilder ASC have been continuing work on a sustainment plan since the submarine was listed as a product of concern in December 2024. Their initiatives include activities to build a sustainment workforce and enhance productivity. In July 2024, ASC secured a $1.44 billion contract for the sustainment of the Collins-class submarines for the next four years.
“ASC is committed to working with Defence to improve Collins-class submarine sustainment performance and to effectively deliver safe and high-quality sustainment,” said Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy, who convened the summit along with Finance Minister Katy Gallagher.
The summit is the ninth overall under the Albanese government’s efforts to strengthen and revitalize defense projects through enhanced ministerial oversight and collaboration between government and industry.