All six of the Collins-class boats were expected to be retired by 2026, but the submarines have been upgraded, which will extend their service well into the 2040s.
Subs From Down Under: Meet Australia’s Collins-Class Submarine
These submarines were developed to travel distances while also being able to operate in varying environments from cool southern oceans to warm, shallow tropical waters.
In December 2020, the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) announced that its six domestically-built diesel-electric
Collins-class submarines would be upgraded with the new Thales sonar systems. The Australian government would invest $23.7 million on the upgrades, which will reportedly increase the operational effectiveness of the boats in hazardous, shallow waters through the installation of the sovereign Mine and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar and High Frequency Intercept Array systems developed by Thales Australia.
US and French navies conduct interoperability naval exercise with submarines off the coast of Guam US and French navies conduct interoperability naval exercise with submarines off the coast of Guam Monday, 21 December 2020 18:44
According to a video published by the U.S. Navy on December 21, 2020, the U.S. and French navies have conducted an interoperability military naval exercise off the coast of Guam with the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758), left, and the French Navy Rubis-class nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) Émeraude (S604).
(Picture source U.S. Navy)
The U.S. Navy USS Asheville and the French Navy Rubis-class Émeraude submarines practiced high-end maritime skills in a multitude of disciplines designed to enhance interoperability between maritime forces. The USS Asheville is one of four forward-deployed submarines assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15.