We start where we left off with some words about conventionally powered submarines. Here we have been told that only nuclear powered submarines can survive in a modern war – yet Canada, Germany and Norway are ordering a total of 24 advanced, stealthy non-nuclear submarines, which raises the question: are they suicidal idiots, or have Australians been misled? Clearly Australians have been misled.
Then we unpack a few myths about submarines – they are a powerful deterrent but they do not deserve some sort of magical reputation. In the Australian context they have a very patchy record – we had none at all between 1914 and 1967 and somehow managed to survive. Except for 5 days in April 1914 Australian submarines have never fired a torpedo in anger. They have seen far less actual combat than almost every other part of the ADF, yet they have managed to fool politicians by a bit of showmanship.
Finally some words on industry policy and how the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) is starting to show some encouraging results. Let’s continue to develop those skills and look at producing an air defence missile rather than continuing to rely on the U.S.
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A really interesting history of RAN submarine operations. Many thanks.
It seems that Canada (coastline of 202,000 kms vs Australia’s of 60,000 kms) will have a minimum of four 212 CD boats in the water by 2034. The first SSN AUKUS won’t arrive until the ‘early’ 2040’s.
In addition, Canada will be operating a NATO compatible boat that has full parts and systems commonality with a fleet of 27 boats.
Total projected program costs for Canada’s 12 boats is between AUD 70 and 100 billion vs AUD 270 to 370 billion for Australia’s 8.
Indeed. You would think someone in the government might show some interest in what Canada is doing, but they are so addicted to the taste of US and British bum that no one will change their view. If only the public were able to tune into what is going on.