Published • loading... • Updated
'Capability that Matters': Submarine Switch Played Down
The streamlined plan will give Australia three identical used submarines as a stopgap while it extends Collins-class service and waits for AUKUS boats.
- On Wednesday, Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles confirmed the AUKUS acquisition plan now involves purchasing three used Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the United States, replacing the original agreement to acquire two used and one new vessel.
- Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the adjustment simplifies fleet training and maintenance while proving "significant" cost savings, a move confirmed by the Pentagon overnight. This strategy avoids the complexity of operating four distinct submarine classes simultaneously.
- Addressing the capability gap before AUKUS-class vessels arrive in 2042, Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated the acquisition remains essential. Defense analyst Marcus Hellyer noted these vessels are not "old clunkers" but have active service lives.
- Labor backbencher and former minister Ed Husic voiced concerns at Parliament House on Tuesday, questioning the deal's viability and suggesting the government should rethink the multibillion-dollar plan due to doubts about America as an ally.
- Amid concerns over United States shipbuilding capacity, which produces 1.3 attack submarines annually against a 2.33 target, the AUKUS partners also launched an uncrewed undersea vehicle program to co-develop interchangeable surveillance technologies starting in 2027.
Insights by Ground AI
17 Articles
17 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Scott Morrison backs new AUKUS plan, urges Australia not to ‘surrender’ to doubt
The Defence Department boss, navy chief and senior ministers said it was always Australia’s preference to acquire second-hand submarines from the US.
·North Sydney, Australia
Read Full Article
AUKUS sub shift a front for US access to Australian bases
The US decision to transfer three in-service Virginia-class nuclear attack submarines to Australia instead of the previously planned mix of one new Block VII boat and two used Block IV vessels marks a major shift in the AUKUS program, one that raises questions not only about capability and cost but also about the partnership’s deeper […] The post AUKUS sub shift a front for US access to Australian bases appeared first on Asia Times.
·Hong Kong
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left7Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Left
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources lean Left
64% Left
L 64%
C 18%
R 18%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
