The Australian Government held its fourth Product of Concern Summit in Canberra to support the sustainment of Australia’s Collins class submarines. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy convened the summit alongside Minister for Finance Katy Gallagher and senior representatives from government and industry.
Since being listed as a Product of Concern in December 2024, Defence and the contractor, ASC Pty Ltd, have developed a remediation plan for the sustainment of the Collins class. This plan will ensure Collins class submarines remain among the most capable conventionally powered submarines in the world. Since the revitalisation of Defence’s Projects and Products of Concern process in 2022, the Albanese Government has strengthened the oversight and remediation of defence projects.
Remediation is being achieved through targeted workforce initiatives, process improvements and productivity reform. The Product of Concern framework continues to play a crucial role in driving cooperation, accountability and sustained action across government and industry.
This is the 12th Project of Concern Summit since May 2022.
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy said: “I was pleased to convene the fourth Product of Concern summit for the Collins class submarine fleet today. This process helps ensure Australia has a highly-capable conventional submarine fleet for many years to come, and as we transition to nuclear-powered submarines. By bringing Defence and industry together on a regular basis, we maintain oversight and transparency of the capabilities required by the Australian Defence Force to preserve peace and deter conflict. The Product of Concern framework, which was revitalised by the Albanese Government, provides a structured forum to collaborate and agree on remediation activities to support Collins class submarine sustainment outcomes.”
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Kym Bergmann at kym.bergmann@venturamedia.net
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at simon.hadfield@venturamedia.net
Conroy saying “This process helps ensure Australia has a highly-capable conventional submarine fleet for many years to come…” is a worry.
I haven’t seen enough mentions of the or a LOTE to be convinced heavy maintenance and upgrades will occur before the Collins timeout.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collins-class_submarine#Submarines_in_class indicates the 6 subs launched about every 2 years between 1996 and 2001. Even a generous 35 years for each sub indicates Collins must retire in 2028 and Farncomb in 2030 etc.
As I estimate and Virginias and SSN AUKUSes will only be available in the mid 2040s, Australia will have a submarines gap.
I think you are correct about the looming submarine capability gap.