Submarines

The Submarine Domain contributes to the defence of Australia by working with Navy and Industry counterparts in a submarine enterprise. Together our focus is “to ensure that Australia has an enduring and potent submarine capability". As a trade dependent nation and one that is, in many respects, characterised by its maritime geography, Australia relies on the free and open function of the global maritime trading system. By 2035, around half of the world's submarines will be operating in the lndoPacific region where Australia's interests are most engaged. Australia has one of the largest maritime domains in the world and it is therefore vital that Australia has the capacity to defend and further our interests in our region. Submarines are a unique defence capability and play an essential role in supporting Australia's maritime security. They are also the most complex, sensitive and expensive capability acquisition a nation can make. Australia’s current submarine capability is resident in a fleet of six Collins class submarines. In October 2017, the Collins Class Submarine Sustainment Program was removed from the Projects of Concern list following the ongoing achievement of benchmark availability and improvements in cost-effectiveness. The Collins class will retain its capability edge through planned capability upgrades currently underway and ongoing sustainment efforts. Successive Defence white papers from 2009 onwards have recognised the strategic significance of a highly capable submarine force. The 2016 Defence White Paper re-stated the need for a capable, agile and potent ADF that can protect Australia and its national interests. The key roles of Australia’s submarines will continue to be: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and support to special operations.