Defence: Project SEA 1429

Senator Chris Evans asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 2 April 2002:

In relation to project SEA 1429, the replacement of heavyweight torpedoes for the Collins Class submarines:

1. (a) When did the tender process for this project begin; and (b) when did submissions close.
2. In terms of the tender specifications: (a) what was the approximate budget for the project; and (b) how many torpedoes were required.
3. Were there any weight constraints put on the proposed replacement torpedoes; if so, what were they.
4. How much do the current Mk48 torpedoes weigh.
5. How many organisations submitted tenders and what were the names of those organisations.
6. Which organisations were short-listed as part of the tender process.
7. When was the decision taken to abandon the tender process and who made that decision.
8. Has Australia agreed to purchase new torpedoes from the US for the Collins Class submarines; if so: (a) what types of torpedoes will be purchased from the US; (b) how many torpedoes will be purchased (of each type if more than one); and (c) what is the individual cost of the torpedoes to be purchased and the total cost of the contact.
9. Beyond the costs already incurred for the current Mk48 torpedoes, are there any additional costs associated with storing and maintaining the new torpedoes to be provided by the US.
10. When did these torpedoes first enter service (presumably with the US Navy); (b) are these torpedoes still being used by the US Navy; and (c) are these torpedoes still being produced for use in the US Navy.
11. Has agreement been reached on the long-term supply of torpedoes from the US; if so, what are the terms of that arrangement and what are the associated costs.
12. Can the torpedoes to be provided by the US be used in Collins Class submarines without any modification, if not: (a) what is the nature of the modifications required; and (b) how much will these modifications cost in relation to each of the submarines.
13. How much do the torpedoes to be provided by the US weigh.
14. If the torpedoes to be provided by the US are heavier than the current Mk48 torpedoes: (a) what does this mean for their use on the Collins Class submarine; (b) can they be deployed on the submarine without impacting on its performance; (c) will submarines have to reduce the numbers of torpedoes they can carry; and (d) does the extra weight of the torpedoes required modifications to the submarines and, if so, how much will those modifications costs.

Senator Hill - The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

1. 1. A Project Definition Study commenced in February 2000. Solicitation documentation was released in October 2000.
   2. 21 December 2000.
2. 1. The estimated budget for the project (Phases 1 and 2) is $200 million-$260 million (in Financial Year 2001/02 prices).
   2. This information is classified and cannot be released.
3. There were no weight constraints put on the proposed replacement torpedo.
4. The heaviest variant of the Mk48 Mod 4 warshot torpedo currently in inventory, complete with torpedo mounted dispenser, is 1666 kg.
5. Three tenderers responded to the Project Definition Study solicitation, as follows:
   • STN Atlas Elektronik GMBH;
   • United States Navy; and
   • Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei.
6. No organisations were shortlisted as part of the tender process due to the termination of the selection process by the Government.
7. The decision to terminate the selection process was made by the Government and announced on 9 July 2001.
8. Yes.
   1. A variant of the Mk 48 Mod 6 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) torpedoes.
   2. This information is classified and cannot be released.
   3. The cost of individual weapons cannot be released. The estimated budget for the project (Phases 1 and 2) is $200 million-$260 million (in Financial Year 2001/02 prices).
9. There will likely be costs for storage and maintenance, additional to those for the existing Mk 48 torpedoes, but these have not yet been determined. However, provision for this has been made in the overall budget.
10. The Mk 48 Advanced Capability torpedo first entered US Navy service in the 1980's and has subsequently undergone progressive upgrades to the current Mk 48 Mod 6.
    2. Yes.
    3. This information is classified and cannot be released.
11. This information is classified and cannot be released.
12. This is the subject of an integration study, that will address the mechanical integration of the weapon into the submarine and cover weapon embarkation, stowage, loading and launch systems. It is expected that some modification to the submarine will be required. The integration study has not yet commenced but is planned to be undertaken and completed by the end of 2002. No modification to the torpedo is envisaged.
    1. Subject to the outcome of the integration study.
    2. Subject to the outcome of the integration study, however, provision for this has been made in the overall budget.
13. 1830 kg
14. 1. Subject to the outcome of the integration study.
    2. Subject to the outcome of the integration study.
    3. Subject to the outcome of the integration study.
    4. Subject to the outcome of the integration study, however, provision for the cost of any modifications has been made in the overall budget.

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