Canberra wants to replace its ageing fleet of Collins Class submarines in what will be its biggest ever defense procurement program, AFP reports from Sydney.
The diesel and electric-powered Collins Class submarines are slated to be pensioned off from the mid-2020s and the move to replace them will set the Australian budget back an estimated Aus$50 billion (US$39 billion).
The new generation subs will match the range and endurance of the Collins Class but will offer superior sensor performance and stealth characteristics.
Their main armament is a heavyweight torpedo jointly developed by Australia and the United States.
