If that’s true - two SSNs in the water by 2030 - then it completely undermines any rationale for a son of Collins. And would be wonderful news.I'm not sure what our AUKUS partners will make of this commentary by the former defence minister and now opposition leader Peter Dutton
'Worked against the national interest': Anger at Peter Dutton's disclosure of submarine negotiations
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's decision to divulge sensitive discussions with the United States on acquiring nuclear-powered submarines has sparked concern that he may have jeopardised plans for a joint agreement by year's end.www.abc.net.au
Perplexed S
The South Australians won’t like it but they’ll be flat out as it is getting set up for the subsequent local builds and Hunters. The Poms will be upset too but so be it. They’ll probably be heavily involved in getting ASC up and running.
I think the US wouldn’t be thrilled that this is playing out in public, but on balance would be happy to see anything that counters a threat to an Aussie SSN fleet emerging ASAP and the supporting infrastructure that the USN would also have access to.
Hopefully this is all a storm in a teacup but time will tell.