Australian Subs to be Upgraded

The Australian Minister for Defence announced the decision to modify additional two Collins Class submarines and to approve other submarine-related work, at a total cost of $72 million. Two submarines, HMAS Farncomb, and the yet-to-be launched sixth submarine, Rankin, will be upgraded with the same platform modifications that were approved for submarines Dechaineux and Sheean last year.

In December 1999, the Minister for Defence announced the upgrade of Dechaineux and Sheean to an increased operational capability by December 2000 at a cost of $266 million. Mr Moore confirmed that work on these two submarines has progressed on schedule and within approved expenditure, and that both submarines are expected to arrive at their operating base in Western Australia by mid-December 2000. Changes include modified propellers, modified casing sections, improved hydraulic system components, and improvements to diesel engine reliability.