Are Australia’s SSN ambitions ‘sub-optimal’? (Opinion)
The USN currently has 19 nuclear-powered Virginia-class SSN vessels in service, with USS North Dakota pictured here. (Photo: USN)
Some describe Australia's SSN plans as marking the country's coming of age, but there are still too many questions whether it will work out the way planners imagine.
In 2021, Australia declared it had set its heart on obtaining nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSN) to help meet the strategic threat posed primarily by China. As the leaders of Australia, the UK and the US assembled in San Diego on 13 March to announce the optimal pathway forward, it all appeared rather straightforward on paper.
But let there be no mistake. Australia has set itself a Herculean task, one where the instigators of AUKUS perhaps did not realise the sheer magnitude that lay before them. Furthermore, the country is locking itself into a route from which there is little chance
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 1 free story per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Chile sails ahead with construction of new naval transport vessel]()
Chile sails ahead with construction of new naval transport vessel
Chile's ASMAR shipyard has achieved a milestone in the construction of the first of four transport and support vessels for the country's navy.
-
![Malaysia reboots plans for troubled LCS programme]()
Malaysia reboots plans for troubled LCS programme
Malaysia believes it has already gone too far with its troubled LCS programme to back away from it now.
-
![TKMS hands over second Egyptian MEKO frigate]()
TKMS hands over second Egyptian MEKO frigate
German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has handed over the second of four MEKO A-200 EN frigates to the Egyptian Navy.
