At last - the truth surfaces...

Dud subs, or engineering marvel? This controversial new book argues that contrary to popular belief, Australia has in fact built itself one of the finest conventional submarines in the world.

This is the story of the Collins Class project - an engineering exercise on a scale unrivaled in Australia's history. A project which became mired in problems both technical and political. Featuring interviews with over 130 insiders on the project - the truth finally surfaces concerning just what went right and wrong with the Collins Class subs.

A unique and outstanding military and industrial achievement, the Collins class submarine project was also plagued with difficulties and mired in politics. Its story is one of heroes and villains, grand passions, intrigue, lies, spies and backstabbing. It is as well a story of enormous commitment and resolve to achieve what many thought impossible.

The building of these submarines was Australia’s largest, most expensive and most controversial military project. From initiation in the 1981–82 budget to the delivery of the last submarine in 2003, the total cost was in excess of six billion dollars. Over 130 key players were interviewed for this book, and the Australian Defence Department allowed access to its classified archives and the Australian Navy archives. Vividly illustrated with photographs from the collections of the Royal Australian Navy and ASC Pty Ltd, The Collins Class Submarine Story: Steel, Spies and Spin is a riveting and accessibly written chronicle of a grand-scale quest for excellence.