Detailed studies and analysis will receive funding to inform the Australian Government’s decision on the next stage of the Future Submarine Project.

The federal government will provide $214 million to the project to make a decision on the submarine design, ruling out the option of a nuclear submarine.

This stage follows the 2009 white paper, which outlined the government’s commitment in acquiring 12 submarines to be assembled in South Australia over the next three decades.

According to the federal government, the Future Submarine project will be the largest and most complex defence project ever undertaken in Australia.

To minimize risk, the government is conducting a review into the Sustainment of Australia’s Collins Class submarines.

Dubbed the Coles Review, as led by John Coles, it will involve a detailed examination of complex engineering issues associated with submarine sustainment.

The review will have support from international experts and companies in the field.

Options the government is considering include an existing submarine design available ‘off-the-shelf’ modified to meet Australia’s regulatory requirements; an existing off-the-shelf design modified to incorporate Australia’s specific requirements relating to combat systems and weapons.

Considerations also include an evolved design that improves the capabilities of existing off-the-shelf designs, including the Collins Class, or an entirely new developmental submarine.

Studies on the design decision are in addition to the government’s release of Requests for Information to three European submarine designers, DCNS, HDW and Navantia, and that Defence had entered into a contract with Babcock for a study into a land-based propulsion site.

The European designers will undertake the studies, which will help inform the government on the viability of a military off the shelf design and what modifications would be required to meet specific Australian conditions.

Swedish ship designer and builder, Kockums will undertake initial design studies for an updated Collins Class submarine (which it originally designed), which will receive updated and design improvements.

In terms of project management, the Defence Material Organisation and the Department of Defence will work across government and industry as a project integrator.

It will pull together the remediation and support of the existing submarine fleet and the project to replace the existing Collins Class submarines.