The dominant international security event was the disgraceful Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska, with the US President fawning and grovelling in front of his war criminal Russian counterpart. The result was nothing positive for Ukraine – no ceasefire and no new sanctions, only talk of territory being given to Russia. It is impossible to comprehend why President Trump cannot understand that it is Russia that launched an unprovoked, illegal invasion of Ukraine.
This event has profound implications for Australia, demonstrating once again that the US is no longer a reliable ally. Then a bit more about SEA 3000 and details of how Defence cooked the books, outrageously inflating the price of the TKMS bid designed to deny them a competitive advantage over MHI. Finally, some positives about RoK-Australia defence cooperation. The Koreans are very keen – so Australia now needs to seize the opportunity and make things happen.
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So shortly after Australia embarks on its tax payer funded $5 billion donation to America’s submarine industry, the US chastises Australia for not spending 3.5% of GDP on its own defence. Growing Australian public AUKUS blowback appears to have the US offering weasel worded patronizing soothers…
US Democrat Senator Chris Coons, who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led a Congressional delegation to the Australia America Leadership Dialogue in Adelaide.
He backs calls for Australia to spend more on defence, but says some elements haven’t been taken into account.
Sen Coon – “The way that our NATO allies are counting their percentage of GDP would give Australia credit for north of 2.7 or 2.8% So the commitments made at the NATO summit that were more in the line of 3.5, might be significantly easier for Australia to reach given that your accounting doesn’t quite give you full credit.”
David Speers – “So If we included shipyards and other infrastructure we would get to 2.7 or 2.8% of GDP ?”
Sen Coon – “Exactly”
Link to full interview below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0Wf4rQi2_Y
Excellent idea on the KM-SAM production facility in Australia. It is a no-brainer.
I would have also thought that there would be plenty of European buyers for both the Huntsman and Redback. A relatively small upgrade to the Australian purchase order would surely provide an export opportunity for Hanwha Defence Australia.
Romania is definitely interested in Redback, though they will probably opt for an in-country build.
Your contemplation on the SEA3000 goat rodeo of a selection process will have you removed from the Russel Block Christmas Card list (maybe you were never on that?). Sincerely, I hope you do get the chance to have it out with the decision makers and twisters. Alas, I doubt that will ever happen as your voice will not be heard above the sound of mutual back slapping going on in Defense. By the time the pigeons come home to roost on what a disaster the AUS / JPN strategic cooperation is, all those geniuses will be off to pasture / Board memberships of choice. Keep up the excellent work Kym.
Thanks. You are correct about the lack of Christmas cards.
“what a disaster the AUS / JPN strategic cooperation is” ?
Could you please explain how working with a regional military industrial heavyweight like Japan is disastrous for Australia ? particularly when Japan represents the only realistic possibility of providing Australia access to used submarines as an interim solution to the AUKUS fantasy ?
When members of the USN are pushing for an adoption of Japanese submarine industrial strategy (please see link below), doesn’t it make sense for Australia to work closer with an ally equally dependent on regional maritime security, rather than relying entirely on empty US lip service ?
https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2025/june/lessons-japan-and-south-koreas-submarine-builders