Posted on 12/25/2007 12:25:59 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Navy's new lethal subs
Cameron Stewart
December 26, 2007
AUSTRALIA will build the world's most lethal conventional submarine fleet, capable of carrying long-range cruise missiles and futuristic midget-subs, to combat an expected arms race in the region.
New Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has ordered planning to begin on the next generation of submarines to replace the Royal Australian Navy's Collins-class fleet with the aim of gaining "first pass" approval for the design phase from cabinet's National Security Committee in 2011.
The 17-year project will be the largest, longest and most expensive defence acquisition since Federation, potentially costing up to $25 billion.
It comes at a time when regional navies such as Indonesia's, China's and India's are seeking to drastically expand their submarine fleets, potentially altering the balance of naval power in the region.
"There is widespread agreement that submarines provide a vital military capability for Australia," Mr Fitzgibbon told The Australian.
"The development of new submarines requires long-term planning and needs to progress quickly, and that's what I have asked for."
Defence planners have examined two key studies this year - one by independent think tank the Kokoda Foundation - which have concluded that strategic shifts in the region will make submarines a more vital cog in Australia's defence than ever before.
Defence will study a wide range of futuristic options for the new submarines, which will be built in Adelaide and will replace the six Collins-class submarines when they are retired in 2025.
The new submarines will almost certainly be built by the builder of the Collins-class fleet, the Australian Submarine Corporation, once the government-owned ASC has been privatised.
"South Australia is the only credible location for the construction of Australia's next generation of submarine," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
(Excerpt) Read more at theaustralian.news.com.au ...
I hope this is real. It is good to think some of the good guys understand the need for such forward thinking defense capabilities.
Every country is attempting to make a fleet of stealth ships but under the water in small crafts can be the way to go if they do it right.
It’s good to have a plan!
I bet a nuclear sub would tote a bit more endurance.
Well, maybe not. ; )
I have always thought it's vital for the good guys to be at least on a par with the bad guys. I like it that the Australians are doing this and like it that the Australians are on our side.
Why would undersea war crafts be disastrous? They will always be more difficult to spot then ships on the surface.
Not disastrous, dangerous. These days China, for example, is building diesel boats using space age technology. Diesel boats are quiet, batteries (cells, really) are long lasting and underwater speed is higher than surface speed. That makes them lethal.
These require the good guys to match them. The US still has the best around, with the most stamina, although not the quietest with nuclear vs. diesel. Regardless, diesels can stay under water and travel at speeds to get the job done.
The good guys need a couple of things. To defend against these, we need to get our replacements to the P3's into action ASAP. We need to make sure our screening vessels can do everything possible to prevent them from infiltrating our task forces. We may need to keel haul a few whackos to see how seriously nutty the rest really are.
We also need to make sure our own offensive capabilities are up to the challenge.
It's an ever daunting effort, but required if our way of life is to survive through the next century. It sounds to me as though the Australians are on the right track.
Everything I read or hear on the subject says that the nukes are still be best of the best for most comparison categories. The thing of it is, is these new diesel boats are extremely good, and our side had better take them seriously so we can stay a step ahead in both offensive and defensive capabilities.
I believe that our Navy puppeteers understand this. It sounds like the Australian puppeteers understand it, as well.
yes I agree. thank you
Have you seen these submarines — just finished by the Soviets?
AIP system augmented with a radioisotope electrc generator, completely quiet. No nuclear pumps or anything.
http://informationdissemination.blogspot.com/2007/12/russias-not-so-super-secret-special.html
that isn’t good at all
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