SIA Conference 2026 - SubSTEC8

The Submarine Institute of Australia (SIA)  Conference 2026, SubSTEC8, (21-23 September 2026, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide) will focus on the theme Pillar 1 Through a Pillar 2 Lens : Advanced AUKUS Capabilities and the Submarine Deterrent.

SubSTEC8 focuses on the collaboration required as Australia transitions from the Collins class to a multiclass, nuclear-powered, conventionally armed force. This transition necessitates:

• Developing specialized scientific, technological, regulatory, industrial and uniformed workforces,.

• Building supporting infrastructure to internationally approved safety and security standards,

• Identification and qualification of a range of suppliers and service providers covering the complete supply chain,

• Agreement with source countries for access to intellectual property, sub-assemblies, components, nuclear fuel and raw materials needed for the full life cycle of a nuclear-powered submarine.

POTENTIAL STREAMS

 The following list of potential conference streams and example topics and is neither exhaustive nor exclusive. The SIA will develop a final program based upon the accepted papers and availability of invited speakers.

Stream 1: Multi Technology Topics

• Sustaining and Enhancing Collins- COLLINS Class Life of Type Extension (LOTE); Evolving and new technology that could be introduced to enhance Collins capability, operations, and sustainment

• Challenges to operating and integrating multiple types and classes of submarine concurrently with other Australian and multi-national forces – workforce, infrastructure, supply chain, training etc

• Building the required architecture to support the Nuclear Fuel Cycle in Australia - Science, Technology and Engineering opportunities and challenges

Stream 2: Innovation and Information Sharing

• Accelerating innovation, learning and integration of commercial technology

• Expanding, accelerating and protecting the sharing of sensitive information

Stream 3: Undersea Capabilities

• Role of uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUV) in ISR, tactical engagement and other tasks

• Extra-large UUV (XLUUV) development and concept of operations

• Battery technology development for safety-critical applications

• Submarine Escape and Rescue

Stream 4: Quantum Science

• Advances in quantum computing

Stream 5: Artificial Intelligence and autonomy

• Using AI and autonomy to address workforce and skilling requirements’

• Developing and adopting resilient AI and autonomous systems

Stream 6: Advanced Cyber

• Cyber security in the undersea domain to protect critical communications and systems

Stream 7: Electronic Warfare

• Interoperability through shared tools techniques and technology in contested and degraded environments