Swedish subs unserviceable

The Swedish designers of six submarines built for the Royal Australian Navy were blamed by the government for new faults which have forced the entire fleet into port for repairs.

ABC television reported that the $3.6 billion fleet of Collins Class submarines was suspended from service two weeks ago after a near disaster in which one, the HMAS Dechaineux, almost sunk.

Tons of seawater flooded its hull within seconds after a hose broke aboard the Dechaineux as it dived to around 260 meters during an exercise off the West Australian coast.

The incident was the latest in a string of problems which have dogged the submarines - including unreliable engines, propeller failures, excessive noise likened to a rock band and seawater contaminating the fuel system.

At one stage, flaws in the periscope and computer combat systems left the submarines virtually unable to fire a weapon and requiring millions of dollars in repairs.

Defense Minister Robert Hill admitted expensive repairs were necessary but denied a suggestion by his predecessor, John Moore, that the lead boat, the HMAS Collins, was permanently unserviceable.

Moore, who four years ago commissioned a report on the fleet, said major welding faults in the Collins' prefabricated hull sections could not be repaired.