Australian Navy upgrading Collins-class submarines

Royal Australian Navy’s Collins-class submarines are set to receive upgraded control and communications systems under two separate contracts announced by the Australian government on October 4.

The first project addresses obsolescence in the control system to allow safe operation of the submarines, while the second provides improved submarine communications capability.

“On average, 120 people per year across New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia will be employed over the life of the program,” Australian defense industry minister Christopher Pyne said.

“Combined the projects will inject approximately $540 million into the Australian economy over the next 20 years, with $300 million going into South Australia, $65 million to New South Wales, and $175 million to Western Australia.”

While ASC will manage the integration of the updated systems, Defence has engaged SAAB Australia to update the control system.

Raytheon Australia, Collins combat systems integrator, will be in charge of coordinating the communications upgrade.