[edcoil]

Didn’t Canada’s 4th sub hit an underwater mountain this week and its entire fleet is out as well?

[Leaning Right]

If I were an Australian, I'd have to ask if Australia needed a submarine force in the first place.

After all, in a war submarines are best employed against enemy merchant shipping.

If we are talking about the defense of Australia, it would seem to me that the money would be better spent on land-based aircraft.

[The Sons of Liberty]

Not a single submarine seaworthy (Australia)

I believe the same is true of Canada. Their only operational sub ran aground last week and had to limp home.

[mquinn]

Well, the underwater terrorists will have a golden opportunity now.

[Lysandru]

Hmmm...and a Labour government is in power in Canberra.

[pabianice]

In related news, it is reported that the RAN is selling its subs to the Muslim Brotherhood in order to shorten the period before the Australian Caliphate can be established.

[archy]

Not a single submarine seaworthy (Australia)

Maybe they should let them get married?

[Moltke]

No worries, mate! Here’s the good thing about submarines: there’s *never* a problem getting them submerged. OK, getting back up to the surface can be a problem at times.

[Pan_Yan]

Drip.

Drip.

Drip.

As the Western World slowly loses it’s ability and will to defend itself.

[AdmSmith]

The official answer:

Availability of submarines

The article in The Australian, 10 June 2011, by Cameron Stewart – ‘Not a single submarine seaworthy’ – appears to misunderstand how Navy and Defence maintain and operate the submarine fleet to meet operational requirements.
As part of the regular ongoing management of the submarine fleet, all submarines are in various stages of their docking, maintenance and operational cycles.

Two submarines are currently in their operational cycle, and it is incorrect that there are no seaworthy submarines.

Navy is presently able to meet the Government’s standing requirement for submarine availability to respond to operational needs.

Maintaining the Collins Class is one of the most challenging tasks Defence has. It is one of the most complex and important capabilities operated by the Australian Defence Force.

Navy, the Defence Materiel Organisation and industry continue to work closely on a program to improve reliability across the entire submarine fleet.

Navy remains committed to maintaining a submarine capability that is operated effectively and safely to protect Australia’s national interests.

http://www.defence.gov.au/media/DepartmentalTpl.cfm?CurrentId=11966

Translation of the bureaucratese: Yes, we have a problem.