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.
yes I agree. thank you