The submarines originally had a predicted operational life of around 30 years, with "Collins" to decommission around 2025. The Submarine Institute of Australia released a report in July 2007 arguing that planning for the next generation of Australian submarines had to begin soon. In December 2007, shortly after the 2007 federal election, the Australian government announced that planning for a "Collins"-class replacement (procurement project SEA 1000) had commenced. The 2009 "Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030" white paper confirmed the replacement project, and announced that the submarine fleet would be increased to twelve vessels to sustain submarine operations in any conflict, and counter the growing potency of Asian-Pacific naval forces.