The Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, has listed the sustainment of the Collins class submarine as Defence's newest Product of Concern.
"The Collins class sustainment program has experienced challenges in recent years. With the submarines required to operate beyond their original design life, it is essential that increased sustainment requirements are met to ensure the Collins class remains an effective and formidable capability until it is withdrawn from service," Conroy said in a statement.
The Project of Concern designation means that the Defence will prepare a remediation plan that will enable a Product of Concern Summit to be held in early 2025.
"By listing Collins class sustainment as a Product of Concern, the Government is demonstrating its commitment to remediating these challenges and ensuring the Submarine Enterprise, which includes Defence and ASC Pty Ltd, delivers and sustains improved performance," Conroy said.
Collins class submarine sustainment was previously a Product of Concern between November 2008 and October 2017.