Collins not so classy

The six Collins Class submarines were to be a key element in Australia’s defence. But following a long and troubled procurement, instead of becoming enviable intelligence gatherers or forceful potential opponents, they are a total disaster.

Of the six Collins Class submarines commissioned, HMAS Collins, HMAS Farncomb, HMAS Waller, HMAS Dechaineux, HMAS Sheean and HMAS Rankin, only one is in service, in spite of the rhetoric about their blend of innovation and proven technical superiority.

Not only that, they are actually the wrong solution. In fact, the Collins class were chosen for all the wrong reasons.

A long range multi-task boat

The Collins Class were selected for suitability is supporting the US Navy in its Pacific Ocean operations. But this choice begs the question: should Australian defence dollars be spent to further American, or Australian national interests?

Foreign policy conflict?

Since the conclusion of WW2, Australian obsequious support of US foreign policy has led to ignominious adventures in Vietnam, Iraq and Afganistan, and the deaths of hundreds of Australian servicemen. Australia owes it to herself to purchase submarines which support Australian, rather than American interests.

Defining our own future

More and more, Australia’s national interests are diverging the USA, and are being drawn towards China. China is Australia’s largest trading partner, and will soon be the world’s richest country. By the time the new submarines are fully operational (some time after 2030), China will rival the US as a military power, and will certainly exceed the US as a Pacific military power. It would be foolhardy for Australia to choose its next submarines based on a desire for an interoperability of the Australian and US navies.

Melbourne University alumni, Michael Melville Kirwan served in the Australian Navy and maintains a key interest in Australia's defence strategy.