Australia is in danger of being left with a critical "submarine capability gap" in a future Asia Pacific conflict, a Senator and naval veteran has warned. Senator Rex Patrick wants the Federal Government to fast-track the upgrade of Australia's ageing Collins class submarines to ensure the country retains an effective submarine force in the near future.

 

"With tensions rising between Australia and China, it is vital we have effective submarine capability," he told nine.com.au.

The Collins vessels are scheduled to end their service by 2026, while the first of Australia's 12 new Attack-class submarines is not expected to be delivered until about 2035 - potentially leaving the Australian Defence Force without submarines for years.

Despite costs blowing out to almost $90 billion, the French-designed vessels - being built under the Future Submarines Program - remain in the design stage....MORE

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