, Today I visited HMAS Waller, one of the Royal Australian Navy's six Collins Class submarines, to inspect the successful installation of the Replacement Combat System and new Heavyweight Torpedo.
The Replacement Combat System enables the submarine to detect, acquire and track targets. The Heavyweight Torpedo allows it to engage both surface vessels and other submarines.
Together these projects – worth a combined $921 million – ensure the Collins Class submarine is one of the most capable conventional submarines in the world. Both projects are within budget and on schedule.
The decision to acquire the Collins Class was taken by the previous government in the mid 1980s. A review in 1999 by John Prescott and the late Dr Malcolm McIntosh found that the submarines could not perform at the level required for naval operations; the underlying cause was “a myriad of design deficiencies and consequential operational limitations relating to the platform and combat system.”
Since then the Government has taken a range of steps to bring all six submarines to full capability:
Enhancements to the hull to improve noise signature and new design propellers.
1. The replacement of the combat system with one based on the US Navy submarine system.
2. Improvements to safety aspects including fire fighting, hull valves and flexible hoses.
3. Installation of new communications masts and high data rate communications equipment.
Very close cooperation since 2001 between the RAN and the United States Navy has been the key to delivering these highly capable submarines. Through this arrangement Australia has gained unprecedented access to US technology and capability. The United States has gained the advantage of Australian experience in conventional shallow water submarine operations.
This is another example of the benefits which flow both ways from our alliance.
The Australian Submarine Corporation has also played a key role. The 2003 Through Life Support Agreement with Defence fulfilled the Government's commitment for all full cycle submarine dockings to be undertaken in South Australia. This agreement is worth up to $3.5 billion over 25 years.
I want to acknowledge the tireless and courageous contribution of our submariners – ‘the silent service'. They are a very important part of our Navy and do not always receive the acknowledgement they deserve.
The Government is committed to recruiting and retaining high calibre submariners. We have introduced improvements to recruitment, including additional resources and establishment of a new Submarine Careers Team and have earmarked over $100 million for a review of Navy Seagoing and Submarine Service Allowances, subject to independent Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal consideration.
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