SYDNEY — Australia has its work cut out keeping aging Collins-class diesel-electric submarines in service as it transitions to nuclear-powered submarines, firstly to second-hand Virginia-class boats from the United States, and then to SSN-AUKUS submarines designed and built in conjunction with the U.K.

Asked about the risks for the Collins-class life extension and the SSN programs, Rear Adm. Stephen Hughes, head of naval capability for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), said he holds a “half-glass-full view” about the path ahead. “There are always the naysayers, but you’ve got to remember we’re pretty focused on delivering both outcomes.”

Hughes spoke to Defense News at the Indo-Pacific 2025 naval exhibition, held in Sydney from Nov. 4-6.

“Are they high risk? Sure – schedules, demanding t

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