Since Anthony Galloway's March 2, 2021 Brisbane Times article, (reported here) he has written a confirmatory update of March 3, 2021, that:
"The Morrison government is forging ahead with the $90 billion submarine program, the Department of Defence confirming it has reached a critical deal with French company Naval Group to guarantee 60 per cent of the funding for the project will be spent in Australia." Best to read that whole March 3, article.
So after 3 weeks of customer beatup (?) Australia is, unsurprisingly, sticking with France's Naval Group (Australia) (based at Keswick Adelaide ;) and Port) to build 12 Attack class subs.
Pete I'm interested in your take on the current stoush in The Australian regarding the Attack class build.
ReplyDeleteGreg Sheridan has stirred things up bit.
Thanks Mate.
Hi Don
ReplyDeleteIt would have been best (would be best) if you posted the fragment of US citizen Rupert's ("Australian" PAYSITE & overly expensive hardcopy paper) that you wanted me and other SubMatts readers to comment on.
Sheridan being no great commentator. I see many Aus journos still clinging to the Collins II mythology. If Saab (Kockums) could get around to midlife upgrading the current Collins it can gain some revenue. Saab has apparently done well upgrading the Gotlands.
Submarine makers who are lauching a sub every year are a better investment risk for Aus taxpayers' money. Such productive sub makers are Naval Group, TKMS (and S Korea who build TKMS designs) and KHI/MHI. Though also productive I wouldn't consider Russia or China, of course.
Regards
Pete