FED: Government approves submarine repair deal

AAP General News (Australia)
12-09-1999
FED: Government approves submarine repair deal

The federal government has approved a $266 million package of repairs to make two of
the trouble-plagued Collins submarines battle-ready.

Defence Minister JOHN MOORE says the upgrade will give Australia two operational submarines,
HMAS Dechaineux and HMAS Sheean, by the time the last of the ageing Oberon boats retires
from service in 2001.

He says the repairs rectify shortcomings identified in the McIntosh-Prescott report.

That report highlights a variety of problems in the $5 billion Collins submarine project.

They include the computerised combat system, excessive hull noise, unreliable engines
and problems with the propeller, periscope and communications systems.

Not one of the six boats has reached the stage where it could undertake the anticipated
range of operations.

AAP RTV mb/mfh/wz/jn

KEYWORD: SUBMARINES (CANBERRA)

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