For the centenary podcast we have chosen a theme – Ukraine. The ongoing fightback against the Russian invasion is relevant to Australia in several ways, including the reliability of the US as an ally and also for the future direction of military technology. The US has again suspended some military aid, and how Vladimir Putin must be rejoicing. The bureaucrat responsible is also the one currently reviewing AUKUS and he may well figure out a way to extract even more cash from gullible Australian politicians and Defence figures. As we have previously tried explaining, the entire procurement structure could be improved overnight and at zero cost by making the system far more transparent and we have drafted a memo for Richard Marles so he doesn’t have to do it himself.
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100 not out. Well batted, Kym.
The decision by the ROK to scrap its acquisition of a new batch of Apaches is a really telling insight into what is global defence planning. Technology is driving tactics and politics is reshaping supply lines.
The evolution of military tactics being played out in Ukraine, the realignment of European defence acquisition and coordination and the return of mercantilism in the White House all point to the Houston-Smith review already being hopelessly out of date.
Australia is hoping it will get a couple of mid-life block IV Virginia’s but what if instead it offered a couple of near 30 year old block I subs instead?
The US could save a fortune in disposing of these old submarines by selling them to Australia and burdening us with the problem of decommissioning them. I imagine getting rid of a 30 year old Virginia would not greatly impact on the overall capability of the USN.
Would we be stupid or desperate enough to fall for this sort of scam?
The problem is that defence planners are thinking in terms of what we need right now without considering that it will take 20 years or more to deliver that capability. By the that capability is delivered it is ready for the museum.
I am hugely concerned by having to dispose of US-built nuclear-powered submarines in Australia. I cannot believe how we could possibly have been so stupid as to agree to this multi-billion dollar risky undertaking. The US has the infrastructure in place for their disposal and should take them back. This presupposes their delivery in the first place, which is doubtful.