Aye Aye Captain Birdseye

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Dear Dicer Dan,

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I note your preference for diesel-electric subs for Australia and the reasons for doing so. You certainly know more about marine and maritime matters than I ever will, Diver Dan.

If I understand correctly, the main advantage of nuclear subs is that they can hold their breath longer than diesel-electrics, stay underwater longer, travel further and faster and make less noise – which seems to indicate that they might be more efficient in combatting distant enemy targets, whereas diesel-electrics are apparently better in defensive close-up battles.

Perhaps we should have a few of each.

For the time being, the key features of the US/UK commitments are as follows :

• A range of opportunities for Australian personnel to work with and learn from UK and US Navies, including increased visits to Australian ports by the UK Royal Navy and US Navy nuclear-powered submarines.

• Increased forward presence of Royal Navy and US Navy nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, to assist in developing knowledge and industrial capabilities.

• The delivery of three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy from as soon as the early 2030s, with the potential to acquire up to two more if needed.

• The development, construction and delivery for the Royal Australian Navy of an advanced, nuclear-powered submarine called ‘SSN-AUKUS’, incorporating Australian, UK and US technologies.

However, it has recently been reported that “the US submarine industrial base is already struggling to meet its planned production rate of two Virginia-class submarines per year and is unlikely to reach its goal of 66 attack submarines by 2054”.

In addition, the American 2023 National Defence Authorisation Act mandates that in 2031—270 days before the sale of the first Virginia-class submarine—the US president certifies that certain conditions are met. Notably, the transfer of the submarines will not degrade US undersea capabilities.

This means that there is no guarantee that the submarines will be delivered on time. It’s “America First”.

The life span of our existing subs will have expired.

Trump protects the interests of the US. We must protect the interests of Australia.

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Oops, sorry ! I didnt mean to write "Dicer" Dan, but Diver Dan.

I hit the wrong note.

I wasn't suggesting that Dan was throwing dice.

Perhaps if I had typed "Nicer" Dan, I guess that would have been OK.

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(Continued …)

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So, Diver Dan, to sum up, I think it would be wise for us to not waste any more time and immediately put in an order with the French for three diesel-electric subs as per our initial order, in addition to the three nuclear subs we have already ordered from the Americans.

What do you think ?

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BP.

The submarine saga is a farcical joke. It’s down to politics, not practical solutions

We’ll be paying big time for doing Uncle Sams dirty work in the South Pacific, where well no doubt, be doing it on our own anyway.

The French Subs would be more than adequate, and a fraction of the price, with huge capabilities, inclusive of transporting special forces undetected with ease; something we needed to consider more carefully.

Bonger 14.05 from Nimbin .

Hey, Aunty Pauline has a daughter running for a Senate position in Tasmania I believe.

Bit cold to be breaking windows down there in winter. Another addition to the Nuremberg Clan.

Any visions through the smoke haze of the green green grass of home to match?