SCOTT Morrison has cancelled the Defence Force’s order for conventional submarines moving instead to purchase a nuclear fleet.
Incurring an eye-watering $3.5b cost to break the $90b French contract signed by former PM Malcolm Turnbull, Prime Minister Morrison said the cost was justified.
- Nuclear decision places Australia “at the top table” of nations.
- American Virginia-class and UK’s Astute-class currently in contention.
- New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern “not happy”.
He said Australia must respond when circumstances changed.
“The relatively benign security environment Australia has enjoyed over many decades in our region is behind us,” he said from Canberra yesterday.
“We have entered a new era.”
TURNBULL
Under Malcolm Turnbull, Australia ordered 12 customised French Scorpene-class submarines, which were to be retrofitted with diesel/battery power supplies – replacing its out-of-the-box nuclear generators.
“This is not a change of mind,” Mr Morrison said. “It’s a change of need.
“Nuclear submarines have clear advantages, greater endurance, they’re faster, they have greater power, greater stealth, more carrying capacity.”
A decision will be made next year whether to select the American Virginia-class or the UK’s Astute-class vessels, which are likely to be assembled in Adelaide.
While both are capable of delivering nuclear weapons, Australia has committed to using only conventional weapons for now.
BATTERIES
When delivered – expected in the late 2030s – Australia will for the first time have submarines that can lie hidden for months at a time without having to surface to recharge batteries.
A former Royal Navy officer, who has commanded both conventional and nuclear submarines, said the decision placed Australia “at the top table” of nations with similar capabilities.
“Australia has a vast ocean interest, and any other nation with that sort of interest has nuclear submarines,” Retired Rear Admiral Peter Clarke told The Australian newspaper.
The nuclear subs are capable of patrolling the South China Sea without having to surface or dock.
The decision has upset the Left with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern leading the charge – making clear she would not allow Australian nuclear submarines into NZ waters.
“Prime Minister Morrison, and indeed all partners, are very well versed and understand our position on nuclear powered vessels and also nuclear weapons,” she said in Wellington after the announcement.
“It would be very clear to all New Zealanders and to Australia why New Zealand would not wish to be part of that project.
“There is a role for others to play in taking an interest in our region, but the lens we will always look at this from will include stability.”
New Zealand came under criticism earlier this year after its government publicly sided with Chinese interests ahead of its relationship with Australia.PC
This PM is a nut.
Nuclear electricity is what we need.
The Russians have built a mobile nuclear power-station attached to a ship. Wherever and whenever there’s a power outage in a populated area because of natural disaster or otherwise then, they place the ship near that area and plug it into the electric grid. Those dumb Russians
When can the citizens take the nuclear option over the PM (and other duplicitous politicians) threat?