Scott Nicholas
The Australian government has introduced two projects to sustain the country’s Collins-class submarine fleet before the arrival of replacement submarines.
Australia’s defense department said Wednesday the first project aims to mitigate control system obsolescence issues and the second project seeks to update submarine communications systems.
The department selected the Australian subsidaries of Saab and Raytheon to support control and communications upgrade efforts for Collins-class submarines.
“The Government is committed to continuing appropriate investments in the Collins class, including priority capability enhancements, obsolescence management and fleet sustainment,” said Marise Payne, Australian minister of defense.
Christopher Pyne, Australia’s minister of the defense industry, said that the two projects will contribute approximately $422 million to the Australian economy in the next 20 years, with $234.5 million allocated to South Australia, $50.8 million to New South Wales and an estimated $136.8 million going to Western Australia.
