US floats nuclear subs option for Australia

**ambidex** · 15 Apr 12,, 10:00

US Ambassador to Australia *Jeffrey Bleich told The Australian Financial Review yesterday that whichever option Canberra pursued as a replacement for its Collins class submarines, Washington viewed *Australia’s subs program as crucial to security in the Asia-Pacific region.

**ambidex** · 15 Apr 12,, 10:03

So its going to be nuclear attack Submarines not Boomers, if Australia accepts the offer.

**Officer of Engineers** · 15 Apr 12,, 14:04

Australia, like Canada, can't afford such beasts.

**Chogy** · 15 Apr 12,, 14:20

Would there be social resistance in Australia? As in "Oh no, nuclear submarines. Think of the children! They might explode in a nuclear fireball..."

**Genosaurer** · 15 Apr 12,, 15:22

Originally Posted by Officer of Engineers

Australia, like Canada, can't afford such beasts.

I don't think initial cost would be an issue, but the requirements of continued operation almost certainly would be. Everything I've seen indicates Australia can't even man or maintain the handful of diesel boats they have now.

**Bowman** · 11 May 12,, 01:46

Britain is talking to the Australians about providing an alternative - presumably astutes.

**blidgepump** · 11 May 12,, 03:33

No bucks, no Buck Rogers....

The continued discussion about atomic subs is very interesting.
But the previous statement about the on going cost to maintain / repair / update... certainly is the larger issue rather than the initial cost.

Regardless, the discussion of having an atomic sub generates more energy at the conference table for sure!!

**Stitch** · 11 May 12,, 06:10

Originally Posted by ambidex

So its going to be nuclear attack Submarines not Boomers, if Australia accepts the offer.

Theoretically, SSN's are a DEFENSIVE weapon, as opposed to an SSBN, which is an OFFENSIVE weapon; the SSN's are SUPPOSED to be out there looking for enemy ships/subs which might pose a threat to AUS. A boomer is a straight up offensive weapon, since it's prime function is to launch SLBM's which are, de facto, first-strike weapons. It wouldn't look too good if AUS started deploying SSBN's, plus, they are a lot more expensive to operate than an SSN. Even an SSN with VLS is a pretty potent deterrent.

BTW, does anybody know what CLASS is being offered to AUS? Are they re-conned 688i's, or new-build 774's?

**Officer of Engineers** · 11 May 12,, 06:31

There are now cruise missiles that can fit inside those torpedo tubes. The RCN has put forth a study in arming the VICTORIAs with exactly that.

**blidgepump** · 11 May 12,, 12:57

Originally Posted by Officer of Engineers

There are now cruise missiles that can fit inside those torpedo tubes. The RCN has put forth a study in arming the VICTORIAs with exactly that.

Technology continues to thrive..... a cruise missle which fits inside a torpedo tube. The next advancement (?) a crusie missle downsized to fit on a remote piloted drone

. Seems like the next doable advancement.
Starwars draws nigh, I doth protest!!!