The mess in the Middle East continues with the resumption of hostilities between the US and Iran, with unpredictable consequences. Australia is an indirect participant through the continuing deployment of a RAAF Wedgetail Early Warning and Control aircraft to the UAE. We are told this is being used for defensive missions – but the only problem with that as we have no control over what the countries receiving it – including presumably Israel – do with the information.
Closer to home, a Chinese submarine launched ICBM that came down in the South Pacific has caused a stir, and indeed it is an unwelcome development. However, it was a routine test and when you fire these things they have to come down somewhere. The new Chinese missile – the JL-3 – has a range in excess of 10,000km, meaning all of Australia is in range of it. Should we panic? Not yet, but we need to be aware of it and it highlights our lack of preparedness for missile defence, for which we can squarely blame the 2023 Defence Strategic Review.
Finally, some words about Canada’s decision to acquire 12 convention diesel electric submarines, which comes with massive economic benefits. Total German investment over the life of the program will be well over $100 billion. Compare this with the lunacy of Australia’s approach to AUKUS Pillar One where we are giving away billions rather than receiving them. Why are we doing this? Because RAN submariners have bluffed our politicians and we will explain how.
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