Australian Type 26 Frigates and ASTUTEs ? – if you wondered why the Foreign Secretary was in Australia when the Algerian crisis started, then this will explain as there is now a new treaty to formalise defence co-operation with Australia.      He was accompanied by the Defence Secretary and the new defence treaty will provide a framework for the many strands of co-operation between the two countries.   It covers areas such as cyber security, defence reform, personnel exchange, equipment, and science and technology.

With both Great Britain and Australia due to build new frigates in the near future (near in defence terms can mean a decade) it was agreed to explore co-operation over mutual design work for the Royal Navy’s new Type 26 Global Combat Ship - a design that could meet the needs of the Royal Australian Navy.

But the more interesting speculation relates to the submarine question.    The signing ceremony was held in Perth (Western Australia) where one of examples of the closer relationship is evident as Fleet Base West (HMAS STIRLING), the base for Australia’s submarine fleet is adjacent to the local shipyard, now owned by BAE Systems.     This visit led to a discussion relating to the sustainment and development of Australia’s submarine programme, and future shipbuilding.    Australia of course operated six OBERON Class submarines (built in the 1960’s and 1970’s) and were originally based at Sydney but following the move to a “Two Ocean Navy” policy the submarines were moved to Fleet Base West (HMAS STIRLING) from 1987.     The final OBERON was decommissioned in December 2000.

The OBERONs were replaced by the COLLIN Class submarines, built in Adelaide (the first Australian built submarines) and entered service between 1996 and 2003 but the required extensive trials and modifications before being declared successful.     These submarines were enlarged versions of the Swedish VASTERGOTLAND Class submarine of a Kockums design, and were originally known as Type 471.   Under current Royal Australian Navy doctrine, the Submarine Service has the following responsibilities:

·         intelligence collection and surveillance;

·         maritime strike and interdiction;

·         barrier operations;

·         advanced force operations;

·         layered defence;

·         interdiction of shipping;

·         containment by distraction; and

·         support to operations on land

The COLLINS class submarines will begin to reach the end of their useful life from 2026, and to meet that in service date the advance design work on the next generation of Australian submarines should begin in 2014–15.     At this very early stage, it appears probable that the submarines will be Australian built conventional submarines equipped with air independent propulsion and advanced combat and communications systems.   The timetable for the new boats planned if for a contract to be signed in 2014 or 2015 with the first new submarine entering service in 2025 and it is expected that they will be built in Adelaide.

Question ?

Could the UK and BAE Systems be making a pitch for Australia to go nuclear in its future submarine programme  ?   Australian ASTUTEs would be a step change for that Nation but with the wide Indian and Pacific oceans to patrol the long range options provided by nuclear powered submersibles may make such a change cost effective.