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| Collins class Submarine |
Contributor: Richard de Silva
This month, the full independent report on the sustainment of Australia’s Collins-class submarines, otherwise known as project SEA 1000, will be released. The plan for Australia’s Royal Navy is to replace its six Collins-class boats with 12 new vessels to begin entering the waves by 2025.
Rumours abound that the nation’s Federal Cabinet will settle on what is in essence an advanced Collins-class, a locally built sub with more firepower, stealth and overall speed. The capability outline includes recovery of covert ops forces while submerged and land-attack cruise missiles.
The multi-billion contract to replace the existing 30 year lifespan boats are staying in the drawer until 2015, but assurances have reportedly been made to keep production within Australia. Ministers will undoubtedly be keen to avoid the controversy and accusations of bias that stained the acquisition of the last submarine fleet.
Read the full story at DefenceIQ