A Collins Class submarine under maintenance

DEFENCE CONNECT: Following a recommendation from Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy, Defence has confirmed that Collins Class submarine sustainment (processes and procedures) has been listed as a product of concern to enable enhanced ministerial oversight of this critical capability.

The Collins Class sustainment program has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly as the submarines are required to operate beyond their original design life. To ensure the Collins Class remains a capable and effective asset until its decommissioning, it is critical that these increased sustainment needs are addressed. As a priority, Defence will develop a remediation plan, paving the way for a Product of Concern Summit in early 2025.

The Albanese government is committed to investing in key capability upgrades, obsolescence management, and fleet sustainment for the Collins Class. This investment will ensure the submarines continue to be a potent and credible force in safeguarding Australia’s maritime approaches and sea lanes. This commitment includes $4–5 billion over the next decade to extend the life of the Collins Class and prevent any capability gaps before Australia transitions to its future fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.

In June 2024, Defence, under the Albanese government, signed a new four-year sustainment contract with ASC valued at $2.2 billion, with no detrimental efficiency dividend. The product of concern process has proven effective in addressing challenging projects, benefiting from enhanced ministerial oversight. Product of concern summits provide a platform for Defence and industry to collaborate in the national interest to address and remediate Defence capabilities.

The sustainment of the Collins Class submarine has been a long-standing product of concern, spanning multiple governments from November 2008 to October 2017.