Conroy chairs fifth Product of Concern Summit for Collins class submarine sustainment

“Defence and ASC Pty Ltd, through the Australian Submarine Enterprise have been working to improve sustainment performance since it was listed a Product of Concern in December 2024,” according to Defence.

“Since the previous summit, the Collins class fleet has commenced its life extension period, with Defence and ASC advancing implementation of a revised integrated master schedule and continued initiatives to strengthen workforce capacity and productivity. These measures support a more coordinated approach to planning and the delivery of Collins class sustainment activities.

“The Product of Concern framework continues to provide a structured forum to collaborate and agree on remediation activities.”

Earlier this year, Australia’s 2026 National Defence Strategy confirmed plans to invest $7.8 to $11 billion over the decade to sustain and update the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins Class submarine fleet into the 2040s.

A life-of-type extension program for the nation’s Collins Class submarine includes ongoing sustainment, full-cycle docking for deep maintenance and upgrades, as well as skilled workforce and infrastructure at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia and at the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia, according to information released under the government’s multibillion-dollar 2026 National Defence Strategy and a revamped Integrated Investment Program.

“Australia’s transition to conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines is underpinned by the ongoing availability of the Collins class submarine fleet,” according to the documents.

VIEW ALL

“The government is investing $94–$130 billion over the decade to deliver undersea warfare capabilities. This includes ongoing investments to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS, sustain and extend the life of Navy’s Collins Class submarine fleet and continue to rapidly acquire uncrewed and undersea warfare support systems.

“The government is investing $7.8–$11 billion over the decade to ensure Navy’s Collins Class submarines remain a potent strike and deterrent capability.

“The Collins life-of-type extension program includes investments in … ongoing sustainment, including the full-cycle docking of Collins Class submarines to undertake deep maintenance and selected capability upgrades, cognisant of the material state of each submarine, to ensure the operational viability of the Collins Class into the 2040s; and the skilled workforce and infrastructure at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia and at the Henderson Defence Precinct in Western Australia to sustain the Collins Class fleet.”

Robert Dougherty

Author

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.

Know More