Two more Australian SSKs scheduled to be upgraded

Sea Power, Dec 2000

Australian Minister for Defence John Moore and Sen. Nick Minchin, the Minister for Industry, Science, and Resources, have announced a decision to modify two more Collins-class diesel-electric submarines (SSKs) and to approve other submarine-related work, at a total cost of $72 million.

The two submarines, HMAS Farncomb and the as-yet unlaunched Rankin, sixth and last of the class, will be upgraded with the same modifications approved last year for HMAS Dechaineux and HMAS Sheean. Changes to the submarines include modified propellers, modified casing sections, improved hydraulics components, and reliability improvements to the diesel engine system.

"HMAS Farncomb will enter refit later this year. ... The sixth submarine, Rankin, is due to be completed next year," said Moore. "Because these proven modifications can only be incorporated during build-or during scheduled refits-the government has approved their incorporation now in Farncomb and Rankin to resolve known deficiencies and reliability shortcomings," he said. The decision to proceed with the upgrade of an additional two SSKs, Moore said, reiterates the government's commitment to the Collins class in advance of certain broader issues that will be addressed in the government's upcoming Defence White Paper.

"The government is committed to bringing all six Collins submarines to full operational capability," Moore said. "A final decision on recommended options to achieve this capability will be considered in the context of the strategic outcomes of the White Paper."