South Australia will lead the next phase of Australia’s submarine sustainment effort, with a major overhaul of Australia’s Collins Class fleet set to begin at Osborne Naval Shipyard later this month.

The Life of Type Extension (LOTE) program will commence with HMAS Farncomb before rolling out across all six submarines, reinforcing the state’s central role in delivering the nation’s future submarine capability.

As one of the oldest and most heavily operated vessels, Farncomb will undergo a detailed engineering assessment to tailor its upgrades and inform work across the entire class.

Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy said the program represents a critical investment in both capability and industry.

“The Collins Life of Type Extension is a critical capability decision and a major investment in Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base and submarine supply chain,” Minister Conroy said.

Delivered by Australia’s submarine company, ASC, the program is supported by up to $11 billion in Australian Government investment over the next decade. ASC employs more than 2000 South Australians and is continuing to grow as the company builds the skilled workforce and infrastructure required to maintain this capability.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the work builds on South Australia’s established shipbuilding pipeline.

“This work is in addition to the work already underway at Osborne to construct Hunter-class frigates, and is a necessary precursor to South Australians building nuclear-powered AUKUS submarines,” Premier Malinauskas said.

“This development only underscores the importance of the work we are already undertaking to train and grow our shipbuilding workforce,” he said.

The program will adopt a conditions-based sustainment approach, retaining and restoring base components while upgrading critical weapons and systems, reducing risk and maximising availability, while ensuring the Collins fleet remains a potent and highly capable deterrent.

Sustainment work will also be accelerated on newer submarines, beginning with HMAS Rankin, to maintain capability during the transition to nuclear-powered submarines.

Minister for Defence and Space Industries Chris Picton said the program will deliver long-term benefits for South Australians.

“This is creating highly skilled, well-paid jobs and secure long-term opportunities for South Australians,” Minister Picton said.

“The Life of Type Extension ensures we maintain the capability our nation needs during the transition to AUKUS, with this critical work being delivered here in South Australia.”

The Life of Type Extension will reduce engineering risk by sustaining existing systems where appropriate while continuing to upgrade critical capabilities, including weapons and combat systems.