Thread: French Submarines

Certainly as it is currently being reported there have to be concerns about the French submarines, both in terms of cost and delivery time. It is a shame that the guts of the decision cannot be made public (for justifiable reasons of secrecy), but I would be talking to the UK (as part of the trade negotiations post Brexit) about buying Astute class nuclear attack subs. If you believe Wikipedia these seem to cost around AUD 3 billion each, they actually exist (unlike the shortfin baracuda) and seem quite capable. I find the idea of taking a nuclear powered sub and replacing the reactor with diesel and batteries akin to taking a modern frigate and removing its engines and putting masts and sails in their place!

Of course I would build nuclear submarines as part of a broader strategy of building nuclear capacity for electricity generation!

Originally Posted by jspyle

Forgive my ignorance on matters military.
Australia is the world's largest non-nuclear powered aircraft carrier.
Why do we need submarines?

Because we have bugger all war planes

Originally Posted by trout1105

Because we have bugger all war planes

We could probably start an industry with $90 billion and build some
Maybe even some cheap skyrockets to take out those pesky war planes

Will French submarines give up / run away if confronted?

Originally Posted by Tombie

Will French submarines give up / run away if confronted?

ouch......but

Originally Posted by jspyle

Forgive my ignorance on matters military.
Australia is the world's largest non-nuclear powered aircraft carrier.
Why do we need submarines?

Surveillance, Fleet protection.

Carriers are the most vulnerable target. That’s why they have “Carrier Groups” - the rest are to protect and support it.

Originally Posted by trout1105

Because we have bugger all war planes

Especially ones that can take off and land on a carrier.

DL

In all seriousness, Australia is a huge landmass But Militarily we are a very small fish in a very big sea and a handful of submarines won't prevent an invasion from any of the major players