Australia has no looming submarine capability gap, at least according to the RAN
The USN currently has 19 nuclear-powered Virginia-class SSN vessels in service, with USS North Dakota pictured here. (USN)
Will the recent change of government bring about a much-needed admission from Australia’s navy that a capability gap will occur in its submarine fleet?
The cancellation of the 12-submarine Attack-class programme with Naval Group has cost the Australian taxpayer €555 million ($583 million), Canberra revealed on 11 June.
The Australian government and its former client negotiated the above fee, which was described as ‘fair and equitable’. Australia’s newly installed government added, ‘Now that the matter is resolved, we can move forward with the relationship with France.’
However, the total cost of the failed submarine programme is more like A$3.4 billion ($2.35 billion), considering the money already spent. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described it as ‘an extraordinary waste from a government that was always
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest]()
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
![Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline]()
Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline
Japan’s FY2027 defence budget backs stand-off strike, a 17-aircraft MQ-9B buy and a declared bid to lead the world in uncrewed maritime assets, alongside new frigates, submarines and support ships.
-
![Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones]()
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
