AUKUS

[Redlands18]

SSN AUKUS to Feature AN/BYG-1 Combat Control System - Naval News
While no real surprise that the RAN subs will get an evolved AN/BYG-1 CMS the RN subs are also getting the same CMS for their future subs.

 

[Hoffy]

Now the legislation has passed both houses.

AUKUS deal approved by US Congress as backers say future presidents can be trusted - ABC News

With much more work left to do a future US President could still create an issue. But even if Trump is elected would he?

Perhaps the Australian government may be asked for a much bigger financial investment than has already been confirmed.

 

[Redlands18]

Now the legislation has passed both houses.

AUKUS deal approved by US Congress as backers say future presidents can be trusted - ABC News

With much more work left to do a future US President could still create an issue. But even if Trump is elected would he?

Perhaps the Australian government may be asked for a much bigger financial investment than has already been confirmed.

The final signing off for the transfer will not happen until 270 days before the transfer occurs so not before 2031 for the first Sub.

 

[hauritz]

Now the legislation has passed both houses.

AUKUS deal approved by US Congress as backers say future presidents can be trusted - ABC News

With much more work left to do a future US President could still create an issue. But even if Trump is elected would he?

Perhaps the Australian government may be asked for a much bigger financial investment than has already been confirmed.

Seems to be a lot riding on whether the US can increase their submarine production rate. They were targeting a production rate of 2 vessels a year to meet their own needs, To cover Australia they will need to increase that by another third of a boat per year. Current production rate is about 1.2 boats a year so they still have a way to go.

They are optimistic about hitting the 2 submarine per year rate in 5 years.

Navy Estimates 5 More Years for Virginia Attack Sub Production to Hit 2 Boats a Year - USNI News

It will take five years for the two shipbuilders that build Virginia-class attack boats to deliver two submarines a year, according to the Navy’s latest estimates of the production schedule. Three officials who have been briefed on the Navy’s estimates told USNI News that General Dynamics...

news.usni.org

 

[Volkodav]

Seems to be a lot riding on whether the US can increase their submarine production rate. They were targeting a production rate of 2 vessels a year to meet their own needs, To cover Australia they will need to increase that by another third of a boat per year. Current production rate is about 1.2 boats a year so they still have a way to go.

They are optimistic about hitting the 2 submarine per year rate in 5 years.

Navy Estimates 5 More Years for Virginia Attack Sub Production to Hit 2 Boats a Year - USNI News

It will take five years for the two shipbuilders that build Virginia-class attack boats to deliver two submarines a year, according to the Navy’s latest estimates of the production schedule. Three officials who have been briefed on the Navy’s estimates told USNI News that General Dynamics...

news.usni.org

Remembering they are still overcoming the chaos of sequestration, followed by COVID. Those are very substantial reasons the two per year hasn't been reached.

As the US economy continues to recover industrial capacity will rebound and rates will increase. The down side is the GOP seem determined to return to an isolationist stance, this may have a very serious impact on capacity.

 

[Redlands18]

CSIS talks to the three AUKUS Army chiefs about Pillar 2.

 

[Redlands18]

AUKUS: Japan poised to be part of AUKUS security pact (afr.com)
Starting to look like JAUKUS for Pillar 2 onwards is a very real possibility. Japan joining makes a lot of sense, can't see any downsides and plenty of upsides. The three DEFMINs/SEC) will announce later today (Monday 8 Apr) talks on expanding AUKUS. The Japanese PM will be in Washington for talks the Biden on Wednesday.

The link above is paywalled but I got access to the article by searching Japan joining AUKUS and went to the AFR site.

 

[Redlands18]

AUKUS: Japan poised to be part of AUKUS security pact (afr.com)
Starting to look like JAUKUS for Pillar 2 onwards is a very real possibility. Japan joining makes a lot of sense, can't see any downsides and plenty of upsides. The three DEFMINs/SEC) will announce later today (Monday 8 Apr) talks on expanding AUKUS. The Japanese PM will be in Washington for talks the* Biden on Wednesday.

The link above is paywalled but I got access to the article by searching Japan joining AUKUS and went to the AFR site.

Edit
*Talks with Biden.

 

[hauritz]

How will UK Labour sweeping to power effect AUKUS?

British Labour has come out in support of AUKUS but lets not pretend that that things might not change over the next few years. Much depends on the UK continuing to invest in submarine production. Cutting back investments will mean delays. Australia is dependent on the first UK AUKUS sub being delivered by 2038 with the first Australian sub following 4 years later.

Double jeopardy for Australia with Trump likely to be back in the Oval office next year.

 

[Morgo]

How will UK Labour sweeping to power effect AUKUS?

British Labour has come out in support of AUKUS but lets not pretend that that things might not change over the next few years. Much depends on the UK continuing to invest in submarine production. Cutting back investments will mean delays. Australia is dependent on the first UK AUKUS sub being delivered by 2038 with the first Australian sub following 4 years later.

Double jeopardy for Australia with Trump likely to be back in the Oval office next year.

For what it’s worth apparently Albo and Starmer are old mates.

 

[Musashi_kenshin]

How will UK Labour sweeping to power effect AUKUS?

I don't think it will be a problem. Labour are pro-jobs and have supported AUKUS publicly. Plus the Barrow constituency now has a Labour MP, who would lobby Starmer against doing anything that might disrupt work at the yards.

Besides, AUKUS will save the UK money by spreading the costs of developing the new sub class around, and also via the parts the UK will manufacture for Australia. The only way to save even more money than that would be to cancel the entire class and thereby destroy the Royal Navy's submarine force.

Double jeopardy for Australia with Trump likely to be back in the Oval office next year.

The necessary authorisations have already passed Congress and been signed off by Biden.

Even if they hadn't, Trump is all about "the deal". The new submarine class is buying important components from US manufacturers. No reason he'd cancel all of that.

 

[Hoffy]

Thought it might be of interest to pop this link in here:

Dreadnought Class (mod.uk)

The web site has been recently updated and a few features will probably be relevant to the SSN AUKUS design.

Obviously PWR3, and VLS, but also X Rudders etc.

Commonality of design seems likely.

 

[John Fedup]

So junior's government says it is exploring joining AUKUS. Given the minimal R&D funding for defence companies here, I really don't see much value for other AUKUS members. Add in Canada's dismal commitment to defence in general, why bother?

Canada in talks about joining expanded AUKUS, defence chief Blair says (msn.com)

 

[Musashi_kenshin]

Given the minimal R&D funding for defence companies here, I really don't see much value for other AUKUS members. Add in Canada's dismal commitment to defence in general, why bother?

Yup. This feels a bit like Canada wanting to feel relevant because of Australia's involvement. But Australia spends, what, 50% more on defence than Canada in terms of cash values?

Canada can't meaningfully contribute if it's spending just 1.4% of GDP on its military.

 

[John Fedup]

Yup. This feels a bit like Canada wanting to feel relevant because of Australia's involvement. But Australia spends, what, 50% more on defence than Canada in terms of cash values?

Canada can't meaningfully contribute if it's spending just 1.4% of GDP on its military.

Agree, but it isn’t just the pathetic % of GDP on defence. Grants and incentives for R&D defence companies in Canada is even worse which explains why many innovative startups leave or sell.

 

[hauritz]

Could be a big day for AUKUS today. Regardless of your political persuasion it would be more convenient for Australia if Harris gets up.