What is the sub deal with Australia?

The Aukus pact will let Australia build nuclear-powered submarines for the first time, using technology provided by the US. It is one of Australia’s biggest defence partnerships in decades. The pact scuppered a deal signed by Australia in 2016 for France to build 12 conventional submarines.

How many submarines Will Australia get?

The first major AUKUS initiative will help Australia acquire a conventionally armed submarine fleet that’s powered by nuclear reactors. The fleet will consist of at least eight such submarines and the final deal will be negotiated in the next 18 months. The submarines will be built in South Australia.

Why did Australia cancel the submarine contract with France?

In remarks to Australia’s National Press Club in Canberra, Thébault said Australia’s decision to cancel the contract for diesel-powered boats in favor of a nuclear-submarine alliance with the United States and Britain was “treason in the making” and a “stab in the back.”

What are submarines used for in the military?

Submarines can also be used to gather information about other countries’ capabilities or intentions, providing early warning of an attack. Submarines can also be used for strike missions, including inserting special forces ashore to target enemy facilities.

Are land-attack missiles an option for Australia’s submarines?

Submarines equipped with land-attack missiles can also be an effective means to target onshore facilities and this capability may be an option for Australia in the future. According to the government’s 2016 Defence White Paper, around half the world’s submarines will be operating in the Indo-Pacific region by 2035.

How many submarines does the Australian Navy need?

With 12 submarines, it’s reasonable to assume that four would consistently be available for operations, with greater capacity to surge. That would be likely to allow the navy to keep one submarine on station at a long distance from Australia while simultaneously supporting some presence closer to home.

Why are submarines important for Australia’s maritime warfare capabilities?

There is no current substitute for the capabilities that submarines deliver in maritime warfare, and maritime warfare capabilities are important for Australia. While there are claims about the increasing vulnerability of submarines to detection, these must be balanced against the realities of the environment. The sea is not yet transparent.