Topic analysis

Australian taxpayers to pay $11bn to extend lifespan of ageing Collins-class submarines amid Aukus delay

The Albanese government will spend an additional $11 billion to extend the operational lifespan of Australia’s six Collins-class submarines by up to a decade, starting with HMAS Farncomb this month, to bridge the capability gap until the first Aukus nuclear-powered submarines arrive in 2032. The upgrades, led by government-owned shipbuilder ASC in Adelaide, will sustain existing systems where feasible and upgrade critical capabilities, with plans to keep the submarines operational into the late 2040s if successful.