Now or never for Australia (Analysis)
Naval Group concept for the aborted Attack-class programme. (Photo: Naval Group)
As the ramifications of AUKUS begin to become clearer, Australia must grapple with various practical, technological and economic factors if it is to achieve its ambitions.
Anyone following the Attack-class (Project Sea 1000) programme in Australia was hardly surprised to hear the cancellation of 12 diesel-electric submarines from Naval Group, given the exponential cost increases predicted for the doomed programme.
Rumours of possible cancellation had surrounded the programme for months, yet Australia continued to discard doubt by reaching an agreement with Naval Group in March 2021. The agreement saw Naval Group commit to spending a minimum of 60% of the contract value in Australia over the life of the programme.
At the same time, Australia approached the UK and US, beginning talks over
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy]()
UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy
As Russia commits billions to new warships and stealth submarines, the UK is reshaping its strategy with expanded troop deployments, shared frigate fleets and a shift towards uncrewed platforms.
-
![US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations]()
US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations
The NEREUS project aims to enhance and expand the US Navy’s existing communications systems, enabling crewed/uncrewed seabed and subsurface missions.
-
![How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities]()
How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities
The US Navy Hedge Strategy is intended to provide a lethal, modular and cost-effective fleet while accepting Washington’s fiscal and industrial constraints.
-
![US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo]()
US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo
Designed as an anti-torpedo and anti-submarine capability, the USN and RTX foresee the Compact Rapid Attack Weapon’s potential for deployment from surface ships and aerial and uncrewed platforms.
-
![RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand]()
RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand
The US multinational company is currently assembling 300 Rolling Airframe Missile rounds per year, with plans to reach 800 units annually after significant investment and modernisation of its facilities.
