The Australian Government has signed a five-year contract with Raytheon Australia Pty Ltd to continue to invest in the capability of the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet of Collins class submarines.

The $322 million contract will provide in-service support for the Collins class submarine combat system during Australia’s transition to nuclear-powered submarines.

Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment, Mr Tony Dalton said the support would include a life-of-type extension – commencing in 2026, ongoing sustainment, and selected capability enhancements.

“The ongoing sustainment and upgrade of these boats will help maintain a capability advantage and ensure our fleet is ready to meet the challenges across our strategic environment,” Dalton said.

“We are committed to working closely with industry to sustain our Collins class submarines, an important task that currently supports over 1600 jobs across South and West Australia.”

Raytheon Australia has been providing a range of support services for the Collins class submarine combat system since its introduction into service, developing a highly skilled local workforce of approximately 133 people across Australia.

This contract is part of the Government’s planned $200 billion investment in providing a secure, sustainable, competitive and continuous Australian naval shipbuilding and sustainment capability through the 2040s.