Submarines
The Collins class submarines, the first of which entered service in 1996, are due to receive a major upgrade to their combat systems, with technology based on the US Navy's Virginia class. This new system will be introduced in conjunction with the new heavyweight torpedo.
In the longer term, the Collins class submarines will begin to reach the end of their useful life in 2026. In order to meet an in-service date of 2026, advanced design work on the next generation of Australian submarines will begin by 2014–15. The submarines are likely to be Australian-built, conventional submarines equipped with air independent propulsion and advanced combat and communications systems. Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon ordered planning to begin on the next generation of submarines to replace the Royal Australian Navy's Collins-class fleet. The 17-year project will be the largest, longest and most expensive defence acquisition since Australia's Federation, potentially costing up to $25 billion. The submarines are expected to be capable of carrying long-range cruise missiles and midget-subs.
According to the 2009 Defence White Paper, the submarine fleet is to be expanded to 12. The submarines will be equipped with cruise missiles and the world's most advanced torpedoes, sonars, combat systems, intelligence gathering systems as well as also being able to support special forces operations. The first submarine is expected to be in service by 2024 with the decommissioning of HMAS Collins. The 2009 White Paper predicted the cost of the new submarines at $35 billion.
Read more about this topic: Procurement Programme Of The Royal Australian Navy