Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities
Australia’s Collins-class submarines will start undergoing a Life-of-Type Extension programme in 2026. (Photo: Australian Defence Force)
The Australian navy is pushing ahead with its efforts to modernise its workforce and capabilities while balancing risky submarine upgrades, ageing Collins-class boats and a shrinking minehunter fleet. Head of navy capability RAdm Stephen Hughes updated Shephard on the force’s progress.
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is undergoing a major transformation. A bevy of new platforms is coming, including upgraded Mogami frigates, Hunter-class frigates and nuclear-powered submarines. At the same time, however, the navy must manage and refresh existing capabilities.
On underwater capabilities, the RAN will not receive second-hand Virginia-class submarines from the US before 2032, and it is hoped SSN-AUKUS submarines will arrive in the early 2040s. To tide the RAN over, it needs to keep its fleet of Collins-class submarines viable, which it aims to achieve by performing a Life-of-Type Extension (LOTE) programme on Collins-class boats commissioned
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![First made-in-Finland US Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutter to be delivered in 2028]()
First made-in-Finland US Coast Guard Arctic Security Cutter to be delivered in 2028
The first Arctic Security Cutter will be built by Rauma Marine Constructions to be deployed in the US Arctic waters.
-
![Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?]()
Is the US Navy’s Golden Fleet initiative achievable?
The effort to provide the US Navy with Trump-class battleships might face financial, production and doctrinal obstacles.
-
![Will the US Navy surge production for OTH-WS missile?]()
Will the US Navy surge production for OTH-WS missile?
The USN is conducting a market search seeking additional sources capable of supplying 516 units of Over the Horizon – Weapons System Encanistered Missiles.
