To make this website work, we log user data. By using Shephard's online services, you agree to our Privacy Policy, including cookie policy.

×
Open menu Search

Are Australia’s SSN ambitions ‘sub-optimal’? (Opinion)

20th March 2023 - 18:00 GMT | by The Geobukseon in Indo-Pacific

RSS

The USN currently has 19 nuclear-powered Virginia-class SSN vessels in service, with USS North Dakota pictured here. (Photo: USN)

Some describe Australia's SSN plans as marking the country's coming of age, but there are still too many questions whether it will work out the way planners imagine.

In 2021, Australia declared it had set its heart on obtaining nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSN) to help meet the strategic threat posed primarily by China. As the leaders of Australia, the UK and the US assembled in San Diego on 13 March to announce the optimal pathway forward, it all appeared rather straightforward on paper.

But let there be no mistake. Australia has set itself a Herculean task, one where the instigators of AUKUS perhaps did not realise the sheer magnitude that lay before them. Furthermore, the country is locking itself into a route from which there is little chance

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Read this Article

Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account

  • Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
  • 2 free stories per week
  • Daily news round-up email service
  • Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Create account

Unlimited Access

Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.

  • Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
  • 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
  • Unlimited access to all published premium news
Start your free trial
The Geobukseon

Author

The Geobukseon


Cracking open the hard shell of defence and security policy within the Asia Pacific , The Geobukseon …

Read full bio

Share to

Linkedin