Boeing Defence Australia has successfully supported communications systems aboard the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Collins-class submarine fleet for a decade.

Since 2000, Boeing has provided through-life engineering support services for Boeing-produced Internal External Communications (IEC) systems on the RAN's six Collins-class submarines.

Used to communicate critical safety and operational procedures to crew members, RAN authorities and other naval assets, the IEC system is installed, reviewed and updated by Boeing during each submarine's 18-month docking maintenance period in accordance with the refurbishment cycle.

Subcontracted to Australian Submarine Co. and Raytheon Australia under the Commonwealth of Australia's In-Service Support contract, Boeing will continue to deliver Collins-class IEC system support services until 2012, when the system will be replaced under the Sea 1439 Communications and Electronic Warfare Improvement program.

Boeing intends to respond to the Commonwealth of Australia's Request for Tender for Sea 1439, which is expected to be released later this year.

"Boeing's proven track record supporting the RAN's Collins-class submarine fleet is a testament to our capability to support the future communications requirements under Sea 1439," said Scott Marosek, Boeing Defence Australia senior manager, Technical Support, Global Services and Support - Australia. "Our highly skilled and experienced team will endeavor to continue working with the RAN to maintain a world-class submarine capability."