$5.5B US carrier was ‘sunk’ by $850M submarine

In 2000s, the Royal Australian Navy's Collins-class submarine HMAS Waller achieved a remarkable feat during multinational war games, reportedly entering the defenses surrounding the USS Abraham Lincoln, a US Navy carrier group. The encounter, staged during war exercises near Hawaii and waters north of Australia, demonstrated the capabilities of a smaller conventional submarine to challenge a powerful naval force, even under controlled conditions.

The Australian Collins-class submarines, replacing the older Oberon-class, initially faced criticism over high noise levels, mechanical issues, operational difficulties, and challenges with Australia's submarine training system. However, after upgrades and improved crew training, the Collins-class gained a stronger reputation. HMAS Waller's simulated attack on the carrier was widely praised in Australian media, though it was only a controlled exercise and not a real sinking.

Despite the simulated victory, the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom has prompted Australia to replace its Collins-class submarines with nuclear-powered ones, as these provide greater endurance. The Collins-class is expected to remain in service until the late 2030s while Australia transitions to the new fleet.