All six of the Collins-class boats were expected to be retired by 2026, but the submarines have been upgraded, which will extend their service well into the 2040s.
Subs From Down Under: Meet Australia’s Collins-Class Submarine
These submarines were developed to travel distances while also being able to operate in varying environments from cool southern oceans to warm, shallow tropical waters.
In December 2020, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) announced that its six domestically-built diesel-electric
Collins-class submarines would be upgraded with the new Thales sonar systems. The Australian government would invest $23.7 million on the upgrades, which will reportedly increase the operational effectiveness of the boats in hazardous, shallow waters through the installation of the sovereign Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar and High Frequency Intercept Array systems developed by Thales Australia.
Joint media release
Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, Minister for Defence Industry
Navy’s Collins Class submarines will undergo significant upgrades to its sonar systems here in Australia through a multi-million dollar contract with Thales Australia.
The two contracts, worth around $23.7 million, are for the design and implementation of the Mine and Obstacle Avoidance System and the High Frequency Intercept Array for the submarine fleet.
The upgrades will not only enhance the capability of the Collins Class fleet but will provide a boost to Australian Defence industry and support Australian jobs.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said both the Mine and Obstacle Avoidance System and High Frequency Intercept Array are important parts of the upgrades to the Collins sonar system.
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Australian Collins-class submarines to receive multimillion-dollar sonar upgrade December 29, 2020, by Naida Hakirevic
The Royal Australian Navy’s six Collins-class submarines will undergo significant upgrades to its sonar systems in Australia through a multi-million dollar contract with Thales Australia.
The two contracts, worth around AU$23.7 million, are for the design and implementation of the Mine and Obstacle Avoidance System and the High Frequency Intercept Array for the submarine fleet.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon
Linda Reynolds CSC said both the Mine and Obstacle Avoidance System and High Frequency Intercept Array are important parts of the upgrades to the Collins sonar system.