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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Which countries could the US rely on to progress with its shipbuilding programmes?]()
Which countries could the US rely on to progress with its shipbuilding programmes?
The US Navy and US Coast Guard (USCG) are in critical need of support to build icebreakers, surface vessels and submarines.
-
![Royal New Zealand Navy outlines modernisation goals]()
Royal New Zealand Navy outlines modernisation goals
The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) has a crunch time coming up as it looks to refresh its fleet before 2040, and prepares to begin operating Sikorsky MH-60R helicopters, although it is at the back of a long ordering queue. A key part of any solution is looking at what neighbouring Australia is buying.
-
![US Coast Guard awards contracts for the construction of up to 150 aids to navigation vessels]()
US Coast Guard awards contracts for the construction of up to 150 aids to navigation vessels
Agreements with Inventech Marine Solutions and North River Boats cover the acquisition of trailerable aids to navigation boats and cutter boats - aids to navigation – small.
