Australia to begin Collins-class submarine life-of-type extension

Collins-class submarines are pictured in formation while transiting through Cockburn Sound. (Australian Department of Defence)

Canberra has announced the start of a life-of-type extension (LOTE) programme for the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's) Collins-class submarines.

Australia's Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said in a joint statement on 19 May the programme will commence with HMAS Farncomb , with work to begin end-May 2026.

It will involve a “conditions-based sustainment approach” that retains core platform components while upgrading critical combat and weapons systems, the statement said without elaborating.

“This will reduce engineering and schedule risks and ensure the Collins class remains a formidable deterrent for years to come,” the statement added. The LOTE programme will be delivered by Australian government-owned ASC.

In addition to work that is starting on Farncomb , the programme will also prioritise sustainment on later-build boats such as HMAS Rankin .

The Collins class comprises six diesel-electric attack submarines that were built in Australia between 1990 and 2003.

Lead vessel, HMAS Collins , was commissioned into service in July 1996, with the remaining boats entering service between 1998 and 2003.

Developed to replace the RAN's Oberon-class submarines, the Collins class was designed for long-range operations across Australia's two-ocean maritime approaches.

The boats are based on a Swedish Kockums design but incorporate extensive Australian industry input and modifications to meet specific operational requirements.

Each submarine displaces approximately 3,100 tonnes surfaced and about 3,400 tonnes submerged, with an overall length of roughly 77 m.

The class is powered by diesel-electric propulsion, enabling a maximum submerged speed of around 20 knots and a range of about 11,500 n miles when surfaced.