By Moderator, 2 June 2026
A few weeks ago, the Australian government announced that the Collins-class submarine life-of-type extension (LOTE) program. [See https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/media-releases/2026-05-19/albanese-government-commence-collins-class-life-type-extension] 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.
Read the article at
