Collins-class submarine almost suffered a ‘catastrophic loss’

What you need to know: Australia, a key US military ally, has faced challenges in modernizing its navy, particularly its submarine fleet. In 2003, the HMASDechaineuxa Collins-class submarine, nearly sank after a seawater pipe burst near its maximum diving depth, highlighting significant design and operational deficiencies.

-The incident underlined the need for better investment in submarine capabilities. The Collins class faced multiple problems, including high operating costs and technical challenges.

-Today, Australia is part of the AUKUS agreement with the US and Britain to develop nuclear-powered submarines, with the aim of strengthening its naval power in the Indo-Pacific and deterring potential adversaries such as China. The Dechaineux incident reminds us of the crucial importance of adequate investments in national defense assets.

HMAS Dechaineux: The submarine near-disaster that shaped Australia’s maritime future

Australia is one of the United States’ most important military partners. It is a nation-state the size of a continent with a shared Anglosphere culture and tradition. Furthermore, its geographical location gives the country the potential to become a powerful regional navy.

Yet there was a period when the Australian Navy struggled in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. Every Western nation has done this. But Australia in particular let its hair down when it came to maritime matters.

Matters became especially complicated in the post-Cold War era because, like many Western countries, Australia’s leaders – both left and right – allowed themselves to become completely dependent on China for their trade. It took the shocking events of the COVID-19 pandemic to shake Canberra out of its complacency towards China.

Today, Australia is experiencing a resurgence not only in its sense of nationalism, but also in its desire to modernize its military, especially its navy, to better deter foreign adversaries (such as China).

But there have been huge growing pains over the years.

One of the most painful experiences for the Australian Navy dates back to 2003. It happened back then HMAS Dechaineux, one from Australia Collins class submarineshit by a major flooding incident.

The Dechaineux

Named after Captain Emile Dechaineux, the HMAS Dechaineux was among the largest conventionally powered submarines in the world. It was launched as part of Canberra’s bid to modernize Australia’s submarine force.

Unfortunately, the Collins-class submarines were plagued by multiple operational and technical problems challenges from their beginning. To overcome these problems, the Australian Ministry of Defense has instituted a recovery program for those in need Collins-class submarines.

At the time, Australia was retiring Oberon class submarines. So they had to Collins-class subs right. That’s why the ‘fast track’ program was designed to… Collins-class subs more reliable.

Obviously the program didn’t work as planned.

The incident

On February 12, 2003, the HMAS Dechaineux was operating near the maximum safe diving depth off the coast of Western Australia when a seawater pipe burst on board. High-pressure seawater flowed into the lower engine room. This was a significant crisis for the submarine while underway.

If the flood had not been expected twenty more seconds, the submarine would have sunk below maximum operational depth and been lost with all hands.

It would have been bad enough if the Dechanieux disaster was an isolated event. It wasn’t. The Collins-class submarines had numerous construction problems, high operating costs and design flaws. TheDechanieuxincident only added to the story that theCollins-class submarines were not worth the money Australia invested in them.

The context

Today, the Australians entered into an alliance for the construction of nuclear submarines with the United States and the United Kingdom (AUKUS). Canberra hopes this will allow their submarines to take the lead in the Indo-Pacific. Both Washington and London believe Australia will become a nuclear-powered submarine potentate that will counter China’s rise in the region.

But theDechanieux The fiasco serves as an important reminder of what happens when a country does not adequately invest in its submarine force – and what happens if one is lost, and how damaging such an event would be to that country’s readiness.

Author’s experience and expertise: Brandon J. Weichert

Brandon J. Weicherta national security of national importance analystis a former congressional staffer and geopolitical analyst who contributes to The Washington Times, the Asia Times and The-Pipeline. He is the author of Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His next book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine, will be released on October 22 from Encounter Books. Weichert can be followed on Twitter @WeTheBrandon.

All images are Creative Commons or Shutterstock.

From the vault

Top 5 fighter jets of the US military and Russia

The 5 best attack submarines in the world in 2024