Defence procurement bungles and wins

[DJC]

I used to know a guy who was high up in logistics for the Navy. He suggested the Collins subs did really well in joint exercises with the US Navy as they ran very silently when submerged. The Yanks had problems trying to locate them.

Yes, that’s true and a Collins class sub managed to “kill” a USN carrier on exercise.  However, the Collins class are unreliable and require more maintenance than sea time.

Astute or Virginia class subs are equally stealthy and outperform the Collins class in terms of reliability, range, speed and weaponry.