Explore the world of Australia’s submarines
Australia – One of the First to Acquire Submarines
The Royal Australian Navy was among the first to acquire submarines. Our founding leaders were not to know then that 30 years later Allied submarines based in Australia would play a fundamental and critical role in in the defence of Australia during World War II.
Submarines and Technology
Australia acquired HMAS AE1 and AE2 only 12 years after the first submarine was launched in the United States of America. The hull form, propulsion system and operating methodology of those submarines remain the basis for tomorrow’s Attack Class submarines.
E Class Submarines
E class submarines, HMAS AE1 and HMAS AE2 were the first submarines to serve in the RAN.
The submarines were built by Vickers Limited at Barrow-in-Furness, England, and commissioned into the RAN in February 1914, reaching Sydney on 24 May of the same year.
Image provided by the Sea Museum
Image provided by the Sea Museum
J Class Submarines
Larger and more powerful than previous British submarines
J Class submarines took part in actions against German surface vessels and submarines off the Tyne and Gibraltar.
O Class Submarines
Oxley and Otway were slightly modified versions of the O-class
Like others in Australia’s fledgling submarine fleet, the Odin class Oxley and her sister boat Otway were constructed at Vickers Armstrong Ltd, Barrow-in-Furness, England.
Image provided by the Royal Australian Navy
Image provided by the Sea Museum
K Class Submarines
The ill-fated HMAS K9 is one of perilous escapes
The vessel was originally ordered in 1917, launched in 1922 and commissioned into the Royal Netherlands Navy in 1923 as Dutch submarine K 1X.
Australian Oberons
The “Oberon” class was one of the most advanced type of conventional submarines in any navy, combining high speed with great underwater endurance.
Image provided by the Royal Australian Navy
Image provided by the Royal Australian Navy
Collins class
Designed to be as quiet as advanced technology can achieve, Collins class submarines have been developed from five generations of submarines designed and built by the Swedish Navy.
Nuclear Powered Submarines for Australia
The announcement on 16 September 2021 that Australia will acquire nuclear powered submarines is very significant.
Image provided by the Ministry of Defence UK – Creator: CPOA(Phot) Thomas McDonald
