Naval News – The Australian government on 19 May 2026 has officially announced the launch of the so-called “life of type extension effort” (LOTE) for the six Collins-class submarines operational with the Australian Navy. The event marks a significant milestone in a lengthy and convoluted history of modernising these submarines, while a new design could eventually replace the boats. Naval News provides an overview on the background and present scope for this project intended to keep the six submarines operational into the 2040s.