The Colby Review https://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2025/06/us-aukus-reviews-message-increase.html into not supplying Virginia SSNs to Australia, under AUKUS, is unlikely to generate clear findings because:
- a "no Virginias
for Australia" result would encourage Australia to cease providing the A$800
million being paid every few months to the US Virginia and (and secretly the
higher priority Columbia submarine) industrial base https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/23/australia-payment-us-aukus-trump-administration-review
and
- it is up to the "President of the Day" probably in 2031 (not a 2025 US Defense Department Review) to decide the US Navy needs all the Virginias the US has built or will build. Under US AUKUS legislation, the President of the day has to certify to Congress that any transfer of Virginia-class submarines to Australia would not degrade America's undersea capabilities. Otherwise, the transfer will not take place. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-16/aukus-risks-trump-review-defence-four-corners/105412740
5 comments:
In other news: Australia to get Japanese Frigates:
Australia picks Japan to build $10b frigates after fierce contest:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-05/australia-japan-navy-frigates/105613688
Apologies Pete, that last ‘anon’ comment was me, so please delete it:
I think the Mogami’s are a very sensible buy for the RAN, and am a little relieved that Australia did not choose the TKMS MEKO - I had the same misgivings about the Naval Group Attack-class boats being chosen over the Japanese Soryu-class - Integration of Japanese systems and weapons should be less convoluted, and the Japanese are far more ‘eager’ to partner Australia and iron out bugs and other issues.
While Henderson, WA currently does not have a good reputation due to the debacle of the Arufa-class OPV program, its still not as ‘bad’ as Australia’s, and ASC’s, screw ups with the Attack-class and Hobart-class, and we can only hope that the Hunter-class program is on track for delivery ‘after 2030’.
The Mogami-class program is currently in ‘hot’ production, with the 11th unit launched in July, and 12th unit, the final for the JMSDF, in the final stages of construction. This means that the two Australian units could start module production in a matter of months. Common systems - the 127mm gun and Mk 41 VLS, will make it ‘relatively’ easy to integrate with CEA CEAFAR radar and the Saab Australia Aegis combat management system. (I just realised that the CEAFAR, MK41 VLS and 5-inch gun could be recycled from retiring ANZACs)
Regarding Australian Virginia boats. I really do not think the RAN will get any, but with a bit of luck (and a lot of $$$) you could see USS Virginia (SSN-774) and USS Texas (SSN-775) loaned to the RAN after 2030, where they will be in their mid-20s, so will have about ten years left on their reactors.
Hi Shawn at 8/06/2025 5:38 PM
As you recommended I deleted your 'anon' comment that had similar subjects as your 8/06/2025 5:38 PM.
I'll respond to your 8/06/2025 5:38 PM comment in an article tomorrow.
Cheers Pete
Hi Pete
I found good videos about the (Upgraded) Mogami class frigate, selected as the successor to the ANZAC class.
Please refer to them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVmCT2qsFQs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wphob_EDETI
Regards
wispywood2344
Thanks wispywood2344 at 8/06/2025 10:50 PM
Yes I'll use the videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVmCT2qsFQs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wphob_EDETI
you have provided, tomorrow.
Kind Regards
Pete
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