This HII based News Release “HII Breaks Ground On New Submarine Facility At Newport News Shipbuilding” of Feb 9, 2023, is significant in that the USN is part funding a Multi-Class Submarine Production Facility with no reference to the AUKUS SSN pact's existence.
This strongly indicates the only major submarine builders in the US (HII, but also GD EB) are not seen as major designer/builders of the AUKUS SSN hull.
It is therefore likely the AUKUS-Australian SSN hull design/build oversight role will fall to the UK, specifically into BAE's SSN(R), by default.
Furthermore the first design contract has been awarded for the UK's PWR3 reactor to go into the SSN(R) hull.
Not surprising from this side ...... in spite of all the public talk, there has not been, as far I can tell, ANY U.S. congressional action re proposed funding ... either for an authorization, or actual appropriation. And whatever kind of "pact", partnership or agreement this is, it has not enjoyed ANY Congressional support, as far as a vote.
ReplyDeleteThat just hasn't happened, yet.
In my view, you currently have an executive level 'bright idea' agreement ..... and two of the three agreeing executives, are no longer in office.
Regards, and best of luck with your medical issues......
Jim
Like in business, get it on paper ...... a contract - vice an agreement - reminds friends what they're legally bound to do.
Thanks Jim
ReplyDeleteYour info and views support well my guess-timate that there is a 60% chance
(when Aus UK US leaders meet for AUKUS In Wash DC in mid-late March 2023)
that a UK SSN(R) hull, mainly designed BAE Systems,
will be chosen as the main foreign contracter to help Aus build part of SSN(R)s in Adelaide Australia.
I'm ascribing only a 30% chance the US will be chosen - with its future SSN(X)-late model Virginia hulls.
Cheers Pete