https://edition.cnn.com/2025/10/31/politics/trump-nuclear-weapons-testing-experts-russia
October 31, 2025
October 27, 2025
Taboo Topics: Monday October 27, 2025
Australia has been supplying Ukraine with a 100 low-cost cardboard drones per month since March 2023. The cardboard drones can carry 5kg of weight, have a wingspan of two metres and a range of 120km. (Photo courtesy SYPAQ via Australia's ABC News)
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1. Melbourne, Australia, company SYPAQ has supplied more than 3,000 cheap
A$5,000
cardboard drones to Ukraine since 2022. They are used by
soldiers for spying, supply drops and one way explosive missions. The drones
weigh about 6kg. Their biggest successes have been damaging 5 Russian fighter
aircraft on the ground, damaging Russian anti-aircraft batteries and a radar
station. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-03/ukraine-war-australian-made-cardboard-drones-russia-warfare/102804120
2. I think the mathematics of NET-ZERO are so complex that Aussies
won't make financial sacrifices for what they don't understand. So AI Googling "Net
Zero Australia" yields. in part: ""Australia has a legislated
target to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050, with an interim target of a 43%
reduction below 2005 levels by 2030. A newer target of 62–70% reduction by 2035
has also been set." This is too complex for the majority of Aussies, who
cannot afford solar, to pay higher electricity prices for. Hence Albo has been
paying all households the A$75 electricity rebate per quarter.
3. The AUKUS deal is by no means
guaranteed despite Mr Trump's apparent endorsement. The first Virginia nuclear
sub may arrive here in 2043 not the originally envisaged 2032. The only 2 US
submarine factories are due to complete the higher priority Columbia-class
nuclear missile subs in 2042. Only then can they speed up production of the
Virginias to 4 a year – sufficient to export Virginias to Australia. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-22/concern-remain-over-aukus-following-trump-talk/105918678
4. China is manipulating the price of
unprocessed rare earths to put rivals, like Australian companies, out of business. When
a foreign rival supplier appears China turns to "loss leading". That is flooding
the market with cheap rare earths to drive down prices, putting the rivals out
of business. Also China may be using fake social media accounts and agents on
the ground to alarm processor countries, like Malaysia, about (probably) exaggerated
pollution concerns. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-23/australia-us-join-china-in-race-to-bottom-on-rare-earth-prices/105921278
5. Over a quarter of Gen Zers (13 to 28
year olds) say that sometimes they'd rather stay home and talk
to a chatbot than go out with a friend. And nearly 3 in 10 Gen Zs said that
they can imagine themselves becoming romantically attached to a chatbot. This
may drop birth rates lower than their current, low-low levels. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-22/ai-relationship-study/105917858
6. Barnaby Joyce, who resents
Littleproud’s rule of the Nationals, might not recontest his lower house
seat and may shift to One Nation. Poor Sussan Ley, in trying to build a stable
Coalition, has to put up with Jacinta Price and the lads Hastie and Barnaby.
7. British Prime Minister Starmer has supported British MPs' calls for an investigation into Prince Andrew's and ex-wife Fergie’s rent free living at Royal Lodge. They have not paid rent for 30-room Royal Lodge, on the Windsor Estate, for more than 2 decades. But UK political habits make questions about their betters, the royal family, difficult. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-23/keir-starmer-backs-parliamentary-probe-prince-andrew-royal-lodge/105923348
8. Cute animal corner. Barnacles on a
surfboard. A surfboard that spent 17 months at sea travelling from Tasmania to
NZ, after it was lost off a boat appears set to be reunited with its owner. A
social media post by the Kiwi man who found the board was read by the owner of
the globe-trotting board. The owner is travelling to NZ to hug his
board. Awww! https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-27/surfboard-found-intact-after-drift-from-tasmania-new-zealand/105935392
October 26, 2025
Japan Long Term Planning ICBM as well as SSGN Capabilities? Hypersonic Missiles
On October 20, 2025, Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Japan Restoration Party signed a coalition Agreement "Liberal Democratic Party-Japan Restoration Party Coalition Government Agreement".
This Agreement brings together the
long-dominant LDP and the reform-minded Japan Restoration Party under a shared
vision of national revival. It establishes policy cooperation across a wide
range of areas, including revising the constitution, defence build-up, fiscal
and social security reform, and governance restructuring, to build a
"strong and independent Japan" capable of responding to intensifying
domestic and international challenges.
---------------------
wispywood2344, a Japanese expert on submarines, missiles, other strategic issues and physics, who has reported reliably on Submarine Matters for many years. He commented in part at 10/26/2025 2:09 AM :
"Meanwhile, Japan recently saw a realignment of political parties and the formation of a new coalition government. The agreement between the ruling parties included the phrase “long-endurance submarines equipped with next-generation power plants and VLS and stand-off missiles”"
It is the 5th page of "Liberal Democratic Party-Japan Restoration Party Coalition Government Agreement" at https://o-ishin.jp/news/2025/images/624de5f22900f6e88e892abb49d3fc70ef3cac92.pdf#page=5
which includes in Japanese:
lわが国の抑止力の大幅な強化を行うため0スタンド・オフ防衛能力の整備を加速化
する観点から0反撃能力を持つ長射程ミサイル等の整備及び陸上展開先の着実な進
展を行うと同時に0長射程のミサイルを搭載し長距離・長期間の移動や潜航を可能
とする次世代の動力を活用したVLS 搭載潜水艦の保有に係る政策を推進するu
That translated into English states:
"In order to significantly strengthen Japan's deterrent power, we will accelerate the development of stand-off defense capabilities. From this perspective, we will steadily develop long-range missiles with counterattack capabilities and develop land-based deployments.
At the same time, we will promote a policy to possess VLS-equipped submarines equipped with long-range missiles and utilizing next-generation power sources that enable long-distance and long-term travel and submerged operation."
wispywood2344 comments that "this is widely seen as referring to SSGNs. In the distant future, “JUKUS-SSGNs” similar to “AUKUS-SSNs” may become a reality."
----------------------
Pete Comment
When the Agreement on page 5 mentions "Japan's deterrent power [and] counterattack capabilities and develop land-based deployments." I can interpret the drafters as meaning a long term strategic option of nuclear deterrence using ICBMs.
ICBM? Japan has been developing the dual-use Epsilon long range rocket/missile capability since 2007. (See image below) Epsilon is a 3 to 4 stage solid fuel rocket with no strap-on boosters. This Epsilons ideal for deployment in protective silos.
More see my article "Japan's Epsilon Rocket, An ICBM in Waiting" of December 22, 2013 at https://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2013/12/japans-new-military-buildup-seen-as.html
Japanese SSGN? Japan developed the nuclear powered ship Mutsu in 1972. This means Japan's prior development of a miniature marine reactor, more than 50 years ago, gives it the beginnings of a submarine reactor capability.
In the US context SSGNs (with Tomahawk missiles) are used for land attack. Land attack may be the main function envisaged for Japanese future SSGNs although anti-ship may be a secondary capability.
Japanese Hypersonic Missiles? Japan is developing a Hyper Velocity Gliding Projectile, (also see this and this video commentary here) with a booster it would be a hypersonic missile. A submarine launched variant is under consideration. Japan is also developing a Hypersonic Cruise Missile (HCM) (see page 22 of this US document). Japan's opponents in Northeast Asia would probably have great difficulty shooting them down.
October 23, 2025
GLE Achieves TRL-6 for SILEX Uranium Enrichment Technology: Background
From https://mailchi.mp/f668cec13418/announcement-slx-zs-si-project-prototype-plant-start-up-10688465?e=55b341af40 and longer version https://clients3.weblink.com.au/pdf/SLX/03012191.pdf
"GLE Achieves TRL-6 for the SILEX Laser Uranium
Enrichment Technology
23 October 2025
23 October 2025
Silex Systems Limited (Silex or the Company) (ASX: SLX; OTCQX: SILXY) is pleased to
announce the conclusion of an independent, third-party validation of the SILEX laser-based
uranium enrichment technology conducted by a leading Fortune 1000 technology provider in
the national defence and global infrastructure markets. The independent review confirms that
Global Laser Enrichment (GLE), the exclusive licensee of the SILEX uranium enrichment
technology, has achieved TRL-6 [Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6), as defined by US DOE Technology Readiness Assessment Guide (G 413.3-4A) see below at Background by Pete], following the completion of its large-scale enrichment
demonstration program and endorses GLE’s plans to proceed to detailed design with
confidence.
GLE is the first company in the world to have demonstrated large-scale, third-generation laser based enrichment technology under relevant operational conditions, that is, at TRL-6. The
determination of the achievement of TRL-6 by the independent assessor follows an extensive
testing program within GLE’s fully integrated Test Loop enrichment facility in Wilmington, NC
over six months.
Michael Goldsworthy, Silex’s CEO/Managing Director said:
“We are thrilled to receive the independent assessment and validation that the SILEX laser based uranium enrichment technology has achieved TRL-6, marking a major de-risking
milestone in the commercialisation program for the SILEX technology. We are immensely
proud of GLE, the only company in the world to have demonstrated large-scale, third generation laser-based enrichment technology at TRL-6 status.
We thank the GLE and Silex teams, and our joint venture partner Cameco, for the significant
efforts that have gone into achieving this seminal milestone. At a personal level, I am incredibly
proud of what the Silex and GLE teams have achieved and look forward to continuing our
efforts toward commercial deployment.”
With TRL-6 validation in hand, GLE will now turn its attention to full-scale detailed design and
disciplined deployment of the Paducah Laser Enrichment Facility (PLEF) in Paducah,
Kentucky. Activities over the next year include a focus on preliminary deployment activities,
including manufacturing readiness (MRL) [MRL is Manufacturing Readiness Level (see US DOD Guide at dodmrl.com/MRL_Definitions_2010.pdf)] and establishing a US domestic manufacturing
base and supply chain to support deployment of the SILEX technology for US domestic
enrichment capacity.
GLE’s commercialisation program is backed by over US$550 million in privately funded
engineering, design, manufacturing, and licensing activities across North Carolina and
Kentucky. GLE’s planned PLEF in Kentucky, is the only new enrichment facility currently under
licence application review by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The PLEF, if
commissioned, is expected to re-enrich over 200,000 metric tonnes of high-assay depleted
uranium tails acquired from the US Department of Energy and produce up to 6 million
separative work units (SWU) of LEU annually, delivering a unique single-site solution for
domestic US production of uranium, conversion and enrichment.
Subject to various factors, including industry and government support, a feasibility assessment
for the PLEF, and supportive market conditions, the SILEX uranium enrichment technology
could become a major contributor to nuclear fuel production for the world’s current and future
nuclear reactor fleet, through the production of uranium in several different forms, including
natural grade uranium as UF6, low enriched uranium (LEU) and LEU+, and high-assay LEU
(HALEU) for next-generation advanced reactors, including small modular reactors.
Authorised for release by the Silex Board of Directors.
Further information on the Company’s activities can be found on the Silex website:
www.silex.com.au or by contacting:
Michael Goldsworthy
CEO/Managing Director
T +61 2 9704 8888
E investor.relations@silex.com.au
CEO/Managing Director
T +61 2 9704 8888
E investor.relations@silex.com.au
[and]
Julie Russell
CFO/Company Secretary
T +61 2 9704 8888
E investor.relations@silex.com.au "
CFO/Company Secretary
T +61 2 9704 8888
E investor.relations@silex.com.au "
Silex Systems Limited | ABN 69 003 372 067
LHSTC, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights NSW 2234
Telephone: +61 2 9704 8888 | Facsimile: +61 2 9704 8851 | Website: www.silex.com.au"
LHSTC, New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights NSW 2234
Telephone: +61 2 9704 8888 | Facsimile: +61 2 9704 8851 | Website: www.silex.com.au"
----------------------------
Background by Pete
In general Wiki explains "Technology readiness levels (TRLs) are a method for estimating the maturity of technologies during the acquisition phase of a program. TRLs enable consistent and uniform discussions of technical maturity across different types of technology.[1] TRL is determined during a technology readiness assessment (TRA) that examines program concepts, technology requirements, and demonstrated technology capabilities. TRLs are based on a scale from 1 to 9 with 9 being the most mature technology.[1]
TRL was developed at NASA during the 1970s. The US Department of Defense has used the scale for procurement since the early 2000s. By 2008 the scale was also in use at the European Space Agency (ESA).[2] The European Commission advised EU-funded research and innovation projects to adopt the scale in 2010.[1]"
| TRL | NASA usage[4] | European Union[5] |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Basic principles observed and reported | Basic principles observed |
| 2 | Technology concept and/or application formulated | Technology concept formulated |
| 3 | Analytical and experimental critical function and/or characteristic proof-of concept | Experimental proof of concept |
| 4 | Component and/or breadboard validation in laboratory environment | Technology validated in lab |
| 5 | Component and/or breadboard validation in relevant environment | Technology validated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies) |
| 6 | System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment (ground or space) | Technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies) |
| 7 | System prototype demonstration in a space environment | System prototype demonstration in operational environment |
| 8 | Actual system completed and "flight qualified" through test and demonstration (ground or space) | System complete and qualified |
| 9 | Actual system "flight proven" through successful mission operations | Actual system proven in operational environment (competitive manufacturing in the case of key enabling technologies; or in space) |
More specifically you can find the meaning of:
Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL-6), as defined by US DOE Technology Readiness Assessment Guide (G 413.3-4A) see DOE G 413.3-4A Technology Readiness Assessment Guide, Posted by the Environmental Protection Agency on Mar 20, 2024 by clicking HERE then Download File then Ctrl+F for TRL 6 mentions.
October 18, 2025
Japan Launches 6th Taigei-class Submarine - Table
Japan uses a continuous build (1 new submarine per year) system. New classes (the Taigeis are the latest) are created every 10 years or so. Production is shared between Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). There are gradual improvements (often in diesel, snorkel, sensor and weapon systems) within classes and between classes.
Also see SubMatt's Updated History & Photos of Japanese Submarines After WWII of January 17, 2015 at https://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2015/01/history-of-japanese-submarine-after-wwii.html It contains a vast amount of Japanese originated information on Japanese submarines. From the end of WWII (September 2, 1945) to June 30, 1960 Japan had no operational submarines.
From December 1957 Japan restarted submarine production based on US experience (eg US Gato class) and based on long institutional experience building advanced submarines for the former WWII Imperial Japanese Navy.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TABLE
This Table is unique to Submarine Matters mainly created by "S"/Anonymous and Pete.
Japan's Diesel-Electric Classes of Submarine (SSKs)
The 2nd Oyashio class, Soryus & Taigeis as at October 18, 2025.
SS No. Diesel Type Motor | Build No Name | Pennant No. | Ministry of Finance (MoF) approved Ministry of Defense Budget in Billions of Yen (¥B) | LABs + AIP: or LIBs | Laid Down | Laun -ched | Comm ission ed | Built By |
8105 + 8106 Oya shio means currents | ¥52.2B FY1993 2 x 12V25/25S diesels for all Oyashio class (each diesel 2,000kW) | LABs only | 1994 & 1995 | 1996 & 1997 | Built at KHI | |||
7SS-15SS 8 active Oyashios 10 subs SMC-7? | 8107 -8115 various | SS-591-600 | ¥52.2B per sub FY1994-FY2003 | LABs only | 15SS Feb 2004 | 15SS Nov 2006 | 15SS Mar 2008 | MHI & KHI |
16SS Dragon class Mk I | 8116 | SS-501 | ¥60B FY2004 Mk.1 LAB+AIP Soryus have 2 x Kawasaki + a SMC-8 motor | LABs + AIP | Mar 2005 | Dec 2007 | Mar 2009 | Built at MHI Home Port Kure |
17SS | 8117 Unryū | SS-502 | ¥58.7B FY2005 | LABs + AIP | Mar 2006 | Oct 2008 | Mar 2010 | KHI Kure |
18SS | 8118 Hakuryū | SS-503 | ¥56.2 FY2006 | LABs + AIP | Feb 2007 | Oct 2009 | Mar 2011 | MHI Kure |
19SS | 8119 Kenryū | SS-504 | ¥53B FY2007 | LABs + AIP | Mar 2008 | Nov 2010 | Mar 2012 | KHI Kure |
20SS | 8120 Zuiryū | SS-505 | ¥51B FY2008 | LABs + AIP | Mar 2009 | Oct 2011 | Mar 2013 | MHI Yokosuka |
21SS LIBs Concept Research Project | No 21SS built. It was an 8 year research project on LIBs. 1st LIBs sub launched was 27SS in 2018. | |||||||
22SS | 8121 Kokuryū | SS-506 | ¥52.8B FY2010 | LABs + AIP | Jan 2011 | Oct 2013 | Mar 2015 | KHI Yokosuka |
23SS | 8122 Jinryu | SS-507 | ¥54.6B FY2011 | LABs + AIP | Feb 2012 | Oct 2014 | 7 Mar 2016 | MHI Kure |
24SS | 8123 Sekiryū | SS-508 | ¥54.7B FY2012 | LABs + AIP | KHI Kure | |||
25SS | 8124 | SS-509 | ¥53.1B FY2013 | LABs + AIP | 22 Oct 2013 | 12 Oct 2016 | MHI Yokosuka | |
26SS | 8125 | SS-510 | LABs + AIP | 2014 | 6 Nov 2017 | KHI Kure | ||
27SS a Soryu "Mk II" as it has LIBs. 1st Soryu Mk II | 8126 | SS-511 | ¥64.4B FY2015 with 2 12V25/25SB diesels (totaling 4,240kW) agree it has 640 LIB/SLH modules], other improvements | LIBs only (SLH type) | Nov 2015 | 4 Oct 2018 | 2020 | MHI Kure |
28SS Soryu Mk II, final Soryu | 8127 | SS-512 | NCA? LIBs | Jan 2017 | KHI Yokosuka | |||
29SS 1st Taigei Class means Whale 3,000 tonne (surfaced) | 8128 Taigei "Big whale" Used as test sub. Not opera- tional | SS-513 | says 640 LIB/SLH modules, Anon says 720.] | SLH LIBs maybe 960 | 14 Oct 2020 | 9 Mar 2022 | MHI Home Port Yokosuka | |
30SS 2nd Taigei Class | 8129 Hakugei "White whale" First opera- tional Taigei | SS-514 | SLH LIBs | KHI Home Port Kure | ||||
| 8130 Jingei "Swift whale" | SLH LIBs maybe 960+ | 8 Mar 2024 | MHI | |||||
02SS 4th Taigei Class | 8131 Raigei Thunder whale | SS-516 | Impro ved SLH LIBs | 26 Mar 2021 | KHI | |||
03SS 5th Taigei Class | SS-517 | LIBs | 19 Apr 2022 | Planned 8 March 2026? | MHI | |||
04SS 6th Taigei Class | SS-518 | LIBs | 28 Mar 2023 | Mar? 2027 | KHI | |||
05SS | 8134 | SS-519 | LIBs | 17 Apr 2024 | 2026 | ? Mar 2028 | MHI | |
06SS | 8135 | SS-520 | ¥95.00FY2024 enhanced sensors page 24 [1] | LIBs | 2025 | 2027 | 2029 | KHI |
07SS | 8136 | SS-521 | ¥B? FY2025 | LIBs | 2026 | 2028 | 2030 | MHI |
08SS | 8137 | SS-522 | ¥B? FY2026 | LIBs | 2027 | 2029 | 2031 | KHI |
Key to Table: Table information provided by S = Anonymous to Submarine Matters. LABs = lead-acid batteries, AIP = air independent propulsion, LIBs = Lithium-ion Batteries.
¥***B = Billion Yen. MHI = Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, KHI = Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation of Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
¥***B = Billion Yen. MHI = Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, KHI = Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation of Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
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[1] Japanese “Ministry of Defense Progress and Budget in Fundamental Reinforcement of Defense Capabilities: Overview of the FY2024 Budget” page 23
at https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/20240607a.pdf
at https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/20240607a.pdf
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