New Secure Communications for Collins Class Submarines

Australian Minister for Defence, I am pleased to announce that the Government has approved the acquisition of a new communications capability for its fleet of Collins Class submarines. 
 
The new equipment will provide Collins Class submarines with a greater data handling capacity that will allow them to participate in the Australian Defence Force information network. 
 
The data handling capability will optimise the performance of the new submarine combat system that Australia is developing in cooperation with the United States Navy. The Government is spending more than A$400 million to ensure that the Collins class submarines are world class weapons platforms. The first system will be delivered in 2007. 
 
The equipment is compatible with other communications equipment and will greatly improve the ability to operate in conjunction with other ADF and Allied forces. 
 
This will allow the submarines to share a common operating picture with ADF and allied forces. 
 
The equipment will make submarine operations more secure by reducing the risk of submarine communications being intercepted. 
 
Following a competitive tender under Project SEA 1439 Phase 5B(1), a joint bid by MacTaggart Scott and Co. Ltd of Loanhead, Scotland, and Sippican Inc. of Marion, Massachusetts, was selected to provide the OE 538 communications antenna, and associated Quiet Modular Mast. The equipment will be installed in the Collins Class by ASC Pty Ltd of Adelaide. 
 
SEA 1439 Phase 5B(1) is one of a number of projects currently being delivered to ensure that Collins submarines continue to be world class. Other Collins upgrade projects include acquisition of a new heavyweight torpedo which will be operational by 2007; and platform modifications commenced in 2002, valued at more than $200m, to reduce upkeep costs and deliver an enhanced ability to support Special Forces operations. 
 
This investment is part of the Howard Government