Before we get to the Singapore air show, some more words about US isolationism and a country that seems to be fracturing.
Something that Australian politicians seem to be sadly unaware of.
There was pushback against the latest report from the US Congressional Research Service – a very authoritative group – that once again raised the possibility of Australia not receiving any Virginia class submarines.
This was in the form of a heated response from Defence Minister Marles, that everything is perfect – but where is the evidence for that?
The project will receive an injection of an additional $600 million this year, meaning that the path to reaching 2.3% of GDP will be even slower than previously believed.
From the air show, some good news about the growth path for Apache helicopters and also a reminder that NH90 helicopters – the parent design of the scrapped Taipan fleet- remain in great demand.
To listen to the podcast, click here.
For Editorial Inquiries Contact:
Editor Kym Bergmann at kym.bergmann@venturamedia.net
For Advertising Inquiries Contact:
Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at simon.hadfield@venturamedia.net
It seems inevitable that Australia will be paying for the construction and maintenance of a US submarine base at Garden Island, contribute to the expansion of unspecified shipyards in the US and yet never receive a Virginia class sub.
It also looks increasingly likely that MHI’s presence in Cockburn may be limited to deep maintenance of the Mogami class. I fully expect all hulls to be manufactured in Japan.
I agree with all that. It’s no wonder that the government and Defence are determined to keep the SEA 3000 evaluation totally secret. Neither MHI or TKMS were asked to price an Australian build – not a single line was required on that topic. As for the US – how can anyone in their right mind believe that they will sell nuclear powered submarines to Australia when they can’t even meet their own needs?