NEWS: Australian military signs deal to share submarine technology with US, page 1

The government of Australia has signed a deal that allows it access to state of the art U.S. submarine technology. The pact strengthens Australia�s military ties with the U.S. The deal will proved Australia�s Collins class submarines with state of the art combat systems. The value of the system is placed at about $355 million (US). The submarines are conventionally powered. Australia has stepped up its purchase of American made combat equipment. In addition to this purchase, it also is a participant in the JSF and has recently ordered 59 M1 main battle tanks (second hand)

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SYDNEY (AFP) - Australia has signed a deal guaranteeing access to the latest US submarine combat technology, further strengthening military ties between Washington and Canberra.

The deal means Australia's troubled fleet of six Collins class submarines will be fitted with state-of-the-art US combat systems.

The fleet's combat systems are currently being replaced at a cost of 455 million dollars (355 million US). Techological advances meant the combat systems were outdated before the first submarine hit the water in 1993 and the new agreement is designed to ensure the situation is not repeated.

"Cooperating with the US navy means we have the opportunity to influence the design and development of the systems and to participate in a continuous upgrade process that will provide the latest advances while continuing to meet our particular requirements," Defence Minister Robert Hill said.

He said both countries would work as equal partners on submarine combat system development.

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The new systems should allow Australia to make the most of her sub fleet. Australia will take on greater strategic importance as China continues her military build up. One has to wonder if they may peruse second hand nuclear submarines in the future as well.