Collins Class Submarine Program

Collins Class Submarine Program

There are a number of projects being delivered under the Collins Class Submarine Program. 

Life of Type Extension

Project number: SEA1450 Phase 1

The Life of Type Extension project is one part of the long-term plan to assure an enduring, potent and credible submarine capability. When integrated with effective ongoing sustainment and selected capability enhancements, the Collins Class can be extended by a 10-year operating cycle per platform. 

Maritime Communications Modernisation

Maritime Communications Modernisation

A multi-phased program for the enhancement of the Royal Australian Navy's maritime communications capability to address obsolescence and improve communications management.

Nulka Missile Decoy Enhancements

Nulka Missile Decoy Enhancements

The Nulka program is a suite of projects delivering increased capability for the Nulka system. The Nulka system was originally developed in Australia over 30 years ago and is now a joint program with the United States Navy.

Content is current as at April 2023.

Maritime Mining

Maritime Mining

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will purchase new, smart sea mines to reinvigorate Defence’s maritime mining capability. The sea mines can be deployed from submarines, ships and aircraft.

Following market evaluation in 2022, RWM Italia was selected as the market leading solution to provide the capability. RWM Italia demonstrated the ability to produce the quantities of sea mines needed, and the technical capability to meet ADF strategic objectives.

Phalanx Close-In Weapons System Block Upgrade

Phalanx Close-In Weapons System Block Upgrade

The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) has been providing the RAN with a short range anti-ship missile defence capability for over 25 years. SEA 1357 Phase 1 will upgrade the 9 Block 1A systems used by the Adelaide class frigates and the 3 Block 1B1 systems used by the Hobart class destroyers to the latest Block 1B2 configuration. This overhaul and upgrade is being undertaken by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Raytheon Missiles System, under Foreign Military Sales (FMS) arrangements with the US Navy.

Hunter Class Frigate

Hunter Class Frigate

On 14 December 2018, Defence signed the Head Contract with ASC Shipbuilding Pty Ltd (now known as BAE Systems Maritime Australia, a subsidiary of BAE Systems Australia Ltd) to build the Hunter Class frigates (HCF) under Project SEA 5000 Phase 1.

On 20 June 2024, Defence amended and signed the Head Contract with BAE Systems Maritime Australia to include construction of the first 3 Hunter Class frigates.

ANZAC Air Search Radar Replacement

ANZAC Air Search Radar Replacement

SEA 1448 Phase 4B is replacing the SPS-49(V)8 Air Search Radar on the 8 Anzac class frigates with a modern phased array radar.

This project showcases Australian design and integration capability with the new Phased Array Radar technology designed by CEA Technologies in Canberra in conjunction with upgrades to combat systems performed by Saab Systems in South Australia and platform integration design by BAE Systems in Victoria.

Installation of this capability is being conducted during the Anzac Midlife Capability assurance Program (AMCAP).

Offshore Patrol Vessels

Offshore Patrol Vessels

SEA 1180 Phase 1 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) will replace and improve upon the capability delivered by the thirteen Armidale Class Patrol Boats, by acquiring 12 new vessels. The primary role of the OPV will be to undertake constabulary missions and the OPV will be the primary ADF asset for maritime patrol and response duties. A Competitive Evaluation Process (CEP) commenced in late 2015 and concluded with the signing of a contract with Luerssen Australia on 31 January 2018.

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