In an address to the Submarine Institute of Australia Biennial conference, in Fremantle, West Australia in November 2014, Senator David Johnston, Australia's minister for defence, focussed on Australia's need to deliver to the Royal Australian Navy a new class of submarine, that is superior to the Collins-class submarines it will replace, before the planned withdrawal date of the Collins class from 2026. "It is our goal because Australia's national security and our A$1.6 trillion [US$1.3 trillion] dollar economy relies on the unencumbered use of the sea," said Senator Johnston. "Australia's submarine force is our key strategic deterrent. Australia must operate the most capable conventional submarines in the world.
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