Australia and Submarines
By Moderator, 2 June 2026
A few weeks ago, the Australian government announced that the Collins-class submarine life-of-type extension (LOTE) program. The government states that the program will be a ‘conditions-based sustainment approach’ involving necessary repairs and some updates, and cuts back the scope of work originally envisioned. It will cost more than expected and deliver less capability. While this will keep the subs in the water for longer, it will do little to enhance their capabilities and raises the possibility that the capability to crew and operate submarines will be lost before the AUKUS agreement produces new boats. Hiccups to the AUKUS program, means that the arrival of Australia’s nuclear-powered subs gets farther and farther in the distance.
There is an interesting piece published in Baird Maritime, “More risk and cost: de-scoped Collins-class upgrade boosts calls for Australia to consider Japanese subs,” arguing that, even if all goes smoothly, Australia will pay around AU$1.8 billion (US$1.3 billion) per boat to keep the current level of capability. The author asks if this is the best use of defence funds when Japan’s Taigei‑class submarines cost about AU$600 million (US$430 million) to AU$700 million (US$500 million) each. He suggests that buying conventional subs now might be a good back-up plan.
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Preview Next Issue: Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026)
It’s that time again! Soon there’ll be a new issue of CNR hitting the streets. To whet your appetite, here is a preview of what’s in the issue.
As usual, the issue contains a smorgasbord of material, with something for everyone. Our first article takes us to China and outlines how it has become a shipbuilding powerhouse. The second article discusses Canada’s participation in the Gulf War, as we reach the 35th anniversary of the conflict. The third article argues that RCN veterans should be seen as strategic assets and treated and trained as such. The final essay outlines some of the defence capabilities that are being ordered/built, particularly relating to the Arctic, even in the absence of a new defence policy to provide strategic direction.
And, of course, we have our usual Making Waves commentaries. In response to enthusiastic discussion on Broadsides (our online discussion forum), we have a commentary about whether geography is destiny for Canada – i.e., as a small (in terms of population) country next door to the United States, does Canada have options for defence? There’s a commentary asking if naval art is dead, a commentary about naval capabilities for the Arctic, and a commentary about how the RCN can make the navy more visible to Canadians.
And, of course, we have our regular columns. “A View from the West” looks at whether China is indeed capable of/intending to invade Taiwan in 2027. “Dollars and Sense” examines the Defence Industrial Strategy, and “Warship Developments” updates us on recent naval developments.
Naturally, we have our usual amazing photos!
Stay tuned. In a few weeks, the issue will be in the mailbox of people who are lucky enough to be subscribers! It’s not too late for you to subscribe. See here for the Table of Contents.
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Looking for Books about Maritime Matters?
Over the last 20 years, Canadian Naval Review has published over 180 book reviews. These books cover a variety of topics but they all relate to maritime matters, history, or security and defence at sea. This is an amazing resource. Go through the list of reviews, pick out a few books that look interesting, read the reviews, and then order the books from your nearest bookstore or from the publisher. See the list of book reviews at https://www.navalreview.ca/book-reviews/