ARE NUCLEAR SUBMARINES THE BEST OPTION FOR
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AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
OCT 2021
VOL.47 NO.7
ARE NUCLEAR SUBMARINES
THE BEST OPTION FOR
AUSTRALIA?
THE COLLINS CLASS UNITED KINGDOM'S INDIA’S APPROACH
KEEPING IT CURRENT REACTION TO TO CONVENTIONAL
IN TODAY'S WORLD AUKUS AGREEMENT SUBMARINES
CONTENTS
FEATURES
Print Post Approved PP349181/00104
12 NUCLEAR SUBMARINES FOR AUSTRALIA.
Managing Director/Publisher REALLY?
Marilyn Tangye Butler
Phone: +61 (0) 410 529 324 AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
A decision of enormous consequences with
Email: marilyn.tangye@venturamedia.net OCT 2021
VOL.47 NO.7 little analysis
Editor
Kym Bergmann 16 COLLINS CLASS LOTE AND CAPABILITY
Phone: +61(0)412 539 106 ENHANCEMENTS
Email: kym.bergmann@venturamedia.net
The project just became even more important
Contributors
Vladimir Karnozov 18 AUKUS – A VIEW FROM LONDON
Arie Egozi
Mark Farrer A lot of enthusiasm
Mike Yeo
Geoff Slocombe
George Galdorisi
ARE NUCLEAR SUBMARINES 20 INDIA’S PROJECT 75I SUBMARINES
THE BEST OPTION FOR Several unhappy foreign bidders
Australia AUSTRALIA?
Ventura Media Asia-Pacific Pty Ltd
PO Box 88, Miranda THE COLLINS CLASS UNITED KINGDOM'S INDIA’S APPROACH 23 THE COLLAPSE OF AFGHANISTAN AND WHO
NSW 1490 Australia KEEPING IT CURRENT
IN TODAY'S WORLD
REACTION TO
AUKUS AGREEMENT
TO CONVENTIONAL
SUBMARINES BENEFITS
ABN 76 095 476 065
Pakistan’s joy might be premature
Cover Description: Submarine HMAS Rankin sails on the surface
Subscriptions in the waters north of Darwin during AUSINDEX 21.
Rose Jeffree Credit: CoA / Yury Ramsey
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26 SUBMARINE WEAPONS CONTINUE TO
EVOLVE
Fax: + 61 (0)2 9526 1779
Email: subscriptions@venturamedia.net REGULARS Torpedoes and missiles becoming more lethal
ADVERTISING OFFICES: 04 EDITOR’S LETTER
Have we forgotten how to govern ourselves? 30 AGNOSTIC COMMUNICATIONS LESSONS
Australia, NZ & Asia Pacific, FROM ASTUTE
USA, Canada & South America A different approach to procurement
Graham Joss
Sales Director NEWS
Phone +61 2 9526 7188 32 FUTURE ROLES FOR RAN UNMANNED
Fax +61 2 9526 1779 6 Thales Australia to make Boxer CRV parts VEHICLES
Mobile +61 (0) 419 492 836
Email: graham.joss@venturamedia.net
8 Boeing selects Australia for final assembly site A technology megatrend
Europe Celebrating 15 years of Classic Hornet support
Diana Scogna 35 SUBMARINE TORPEDO SELF-DEFENCE
Mobile: +33 6 6252 2547 A vital capability
Fax: +33 1 7079 0534 10 Penske local assembly of Redback IFV
Email: dscogna@dsmedia.com.fr powerpack
Israel 11 Lockheed Martin supports F-35 bilateral exercise
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Talbar Media
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Asia Pacific Defence Reporter OCT 2021 3
EDS LETTER
HAVE WE FORGOTTEN
HOW TO GOVERN
OURSELVES?
RAN to issue an RFT urgently to reputable builders is whether it will be done. Another example from
for a new submarine based on a firm, fixed price the past: in the late 1980s the Australian Defence
contract. Instead we had more political interference Minister Kim Beazely had come to an agreement
and the three-way Competitive Evaluation Process, regarding access to certain software features of the
leading to the selection of Naval Group. Now we radar on our Classic Hornets with his counterpart,
KYM BERGMANN // CANBERRA have even more political interference to scrap that US Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger.
and start again – with a 20-year gap before work However, when Australian officials went to a follow
I
t is only a fortnight after the announcement on a new class can actually begin. up meeting at the Pentagon they were told “our
that Australia would build a fleet of nuclear This mess has been characterised by a lack Defense Secretary has been misinformed” and
submarines and many commentators are of clear planning and direction. Rather than a refused to budge – and likely to be repeated for
already pronouncing the deal dead on arrival. This structured approach, billions of dollars – literally access to nuclear technology.
pessimism seems entirely justified because the – has been thrown around at a series of bright The Covid roll out has been similarly poorly
idea has been cooked up by a group of backroom ideas. One early example is that Labor – when handled. Everyone can agree on the basics –
advisors rather than as the result of detailed finally prodded into action in 2011 – awarded not enough vaccines ordered with insufficient
analysis and planning. This disturbing pattern is $250 million dollars for what turned out to be a diversity of supply. Uncertainty about eligibility
also seen in the Federal government’s shambolic totally wasted bunch of study contracts. One of and distribution; incorrect priorities; lack of
vaccination roll out. these went to a large company that spent two accountability; evasion of responsibility and so
The idea of building our own nuclear submarines years and about $30 million just pondering the on. Government cheerleaders are like a hyped-up
might sound like an appealing idea to the general overlap between Australian OH&S laws and sports commentator at a marathon where the first
public and the Prime Minister’s announcement was matters of submarine design rather than doing 10 runners have already crossed the finishing line:
initially greeted with a level of enthusiasm. However, any actual work – which was typical of dozens of “Go Australia! The Australian runner is surging,
this seems to have been based on the assumption similar contracts. moving from 80th to 54th place! Unbelievable! An
that there was actually a detailed, costed plan to A great deal more has been wasted since then, absolute triumph!”
get from where we are to where we want to be. It culminating in the decision to write off the $2.4 Nuclear submarines and the Covid response are
doesn’t exist – and notably Greg Sheridan in ‘The billion spent on the Attack class without having a two enormously complex multi-billion-dollar efforts
Australian’ has already concluded that we will not plan to shield Australian defence industry from the that directly affect the future of the nation and yet
be getting any nuclear submarines. Ever. consequences. As usual, the large companies will their management has been awful. There are some
This has been a failure of government at survive – but that is not necessarily the case for politicians who believe that reducing the Australian
multiple levels. What should have happened is SMEs, many of which have invested heavily using Public Service numbers to 1993 levels is a matter
that the RAN needed to articulate the need for a their own scarce cash to develop skills necessary of pride rather than a deep national shame – and
New Generation Collins class in the mid-2000s for the Attack program. The order to cease work now we are starting to see what “small government”
and the government of either John Howard has switched off the funding tap instantly since looks like in practice.
or Kevin Rudd should have signed off on a many of them have been contracted on a time and The staff of Ministers used to be hired for
sole source contract. This would have been a materials basis. their competence and ability to get things
stretched version of the submarine containing an Where to go to from here is completely up in done. Now they are recruited for their ability to
Air Independent Propulsion system and numerous the air with the options to be studied by a working wedge the opposition, come up with daily petty
other improvements such as new diesel engines. group of Australia, the US and the UK. What the announcements and dominate the news cycle.
Instead, Navy and Defence sat around looking for UK can contribute is anyone’s guess having fouled The Public Service once was a powerhouse of
guidance, which was never supplied. up their own Astute submarine program and lied policy advice – a huge resource that could be
Stepping into the vacuum, Tony Abbott at least outrageously to Australia about the status of the harnessed when used properly. Now it is shunned
tried to fix the problem – but with the high-level Type 26 frigate – the basis of the Hunter class, by politicians and treated as nothing more than a
solution of buying submarines directly from Japan, which is already two years late. service delivery agency for the latest bright idea
which proved to be unworkable. Not a fan of the The US absolutely has the technical competence that has popped into the Minister’s brain.
Collins, what he should have done was direct the to help Australia build submarines, but the question Welcome to the 21st century.
4 Asia Pacific Defence Reporter OCT 2021
The
Sovereign
Missile
Alliance
EOS and Nova Systems, creating a
sovereign blueprint for the future.
Secure. Innovative. Australian.
FIND
OUT
MORE:
SOVEREIGNMISSILEALLIANCE.COM.AU
GENERAL NEWS
Boxer 30mm main armament firing (CoA photo)
AUSSIE DEFENCE INDUSTRY “This contract is a great testament to cannon components for the new Boxer 8x8
the Morrison Government’s commitment to Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles.
TO MAKE CRITICAL WEAPONS
strengthening Australia’s sovereign defence “First samples of the weapon components
COMPONENTS FOR BOXER industrial capability and maximising opportunities manufactured by Thales Australia in Lithgow have
VEHICLES for local business in defence manufacturing,” been given the green light, passing stringent
28 September 2021 Minister Price said. quality control checks by Rheinmetall in Germany.
Thales Australia has been contracted by “Australian industry will play a vital role in the “The manufacturing partnership will create about
Rheinmetall Defence Australia to manufacture delivery of the Boxer vehicles. 10 new jobs and provide support for the 130 jobs
critical weapons components for the Australian “Rheinmetall will use suppliers across the already at the Lithgow site.
Army’s new Boxer 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance country to design, build, assemble, test and “The Lithgow Arms Factory is part of the fabric
Vehicles, signifying a strong show of support for support the Boxer vehicles for the Army. of the Lithgow region, and plays a key role in
our defence industry. “We are backing Aussie businesses and our national defence capability, ensuring our ADF
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price today supporting local jobs.” personnel have access to world-class military
announced Thales would draw on its extensive Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence weapons.”
experience and Australian supplier base to assist Personnel Andrew Gee welcomed the Rheinmetall Defence Australia will deliver and
with the manufacture of components for the announcement, which is a boon for jobs and support 211 Boxer 8x8 Combat Reconnaissance
Boxer’s 30mm cannon. investment in the Lithgow community. Vehicles – a key investment under the 2020 Force
The components will then be assembled at “In 1912, the Lithgow Small Arms Factory, Structure Plan – under the LAND 400 Phase 2 –
Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence which would become Thales Australia, began Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle project to replace
in Redbank, Queensland, officially opened by producing SMLE 303 rifles carried by Australian the Australian Army’s Australian Light Armoured
Prime Minister Scott Morrison in October last year. forces in WW1,” Minister Gee said. Vehicles.
Minister Price said partnerships with local “More than a century later, the tradition of the The Boxer vehicles will provide enhanced
defence industry were critical to ensuring our Australian Defence Force employing not only mobility, firepower and protection in environments
industrial base effectively supported Australia’s Australian-made but Lithgow-made weapons ranging from regional stability missions to high
national security. continues, with Thales Australia to deliver 30mm threat operations.
6 Asia Pacific Defence Reporter OCT 2021
Submarine upgrades,
they’re our specialty.
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we stand ready to support the life of type extension
of the fleet – delivering capability now to secure the
nation’s future. Leveraging over 100 years of submarine
experience, we are a proven global submarine designer,
with trusted local expertise.
Learn more at saab.com
GENERAL NEWS
location for the company’s first final assembly
production facility is indicative of Boeing’s global
focus and support for Australia’s sovereign defence
capability growth, supply chain and export
opportunities.
“We are confident in the future production outlook
for this world-class, innovative aircraft,” said
Carpendale.
“We’re thinking long-term about this investment,
which could assist Australia to gain future work
share in other global defence and aerospace
opportunities, in addition to the Loyal Wingman
assembly.
“The Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct
location is attractive due to its access to a flight
line, clear flying days, commercial flight access
from major cities and ability to support the rapid
pace at which the Airpower Teaming System
program is growing.
“Sustainable aerospace is a critical focus
for Boeing, and Wagner Corporation’s use of
sustainable construction methods supports our
The Boeing Airpower Teaming System during first flight testing at Woomera Range Complex. (Boeing photo) vision to create a leading sustainable aerospace
manufacturing facility from the ground up, including
BOEING SELECTS AUSTRALIA support approximately 300 jobs during construction renewable technologies and human-centric design,”
and will create highly skilled jobs, furthering Carpendale said.
FOR COMPANY'S FIRST FINAL Queensland’s status as a centre for defence Wagner Corporation Chairman John Wagner said
ASSEMBLY FACILITY OUTSIDE industries. Boeing’s selection of Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport
NORTH AMERICA Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron for its newest uncrewed aircraft production facility
22 September 2021 Dick said today’s announcement reinforced the was a major boost for the region.
Boeing, in partnership with the Queensland strength of the state’s almost 25-year relationship “Attracting investment and global companies
Government, has selected Toowoomba as the with Boeing. such as Boeing to Toowoomba is recognition of
preferred site for the company’s first aircraft “This announcement follows our success with the strategic advantages the Wellcamp Airport site
assembly facility of its kind outside of North Australia’s first commercial drone flight testing offers, including access to the future Inland Rail,”
America. facility at Cloncurry Airport last December, of Wagner said.
Boeing Australia will establish the facility in which Boeing was a first user. It’s the result of
the Wellcamp Aerospace and Defence Precinct at an arrangement our government entered into CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF
Wellcamp Airport to produce and assemble the with Boeing Australia last year to support the CLASSIC HORNET SUPPORT
Boeing Airpower Teaming System (also known as establishment of the primary final assembly facility
Loyal Wingman), the first military combat aircraft for the Boeing Loyal Wingman here in Queensland, After 15 years, the highly successful ‘LITENING
designed, developed and manufactured in Australia subject to defence orders. It’s expected the project pod’ collaboration between Northrop Grumman and
in half a century. The aircraft made its first flight in could generate up to $1 billion for Queensland’s BAE Systems Australia has come to end, as the
February 2021. economy over 10 years, with more than just Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) prepares for the
The partnership to establish the facility will create defence industries to benefit,” said Dick. completion of service of its Classic Hornet fleet.
new opportunities for Toowoomba, bringing jobs This project delivers on the vision of the BAE Systems has been subcontracted to Northrop
and skill development to the region and the state. Queensland Defence Industries 10-year Roadmap Grumman, the Original Equipment Manufacturer of
“In choosing Wellcamp Airport, Boeing have and Action Plan, which aims to significantly the ‘LITENING’ pods used on the F/A-18A/B Classic
taken an important step towards delivering their increase defence revenue and generate 3,500 new Hornets, since 2006. During this time, the LITENING
purpose-built final assembly facility. This has the full-time jobs by 2028. Pods have been used at RAAF base Williamtown
potential to greatly improve our state’s advanced The uncrewed aircraft is designed to operate as (New South Wales), RAAF base Tindal (Northern
manufacturing capability and help shape a a team, using artificial intelligence to extend the Territory), plus many local and international
workforce of Queenslanders with the skills to build capabilities of crewed and uncrewed platforms. deployments and operations. The completion of the
some of the world’s most cutting-edge aircraft,” said Boeing Defence Australia Vice President and LITENING Support contract is a result of the RAAF
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. Managing Director Scott Carpendale believes the transitioning from the Classic Hornet to the 5th
Wagner Corporation expects that this facility will selection of Wellcamp Airport as Boeing’s preferred Generation, F-35 Air Vehicle.
8 Asia Pacific Defence Reporter OCT 2021
LITENING is an integrated targeting when and where they were needed on
Classic Hornet with LITENING pod (BAE Systems / CoA image)
pod that mounts externally to the the Classic Hornet fleet.
aircraft. It contains an electro-optical Importantly, this also saved on
infrared sensor system for targeting freight costs, shipping resources
and surveillance that enables and turnaround time for Northrop
aircrews to detect, acquire, identify Grumman.
and track targets at long ranges. It There have been many notable
enables a wide range of missions, achievements during the 15 years of
including precision targeting, close air support, including the achievement
support, intelligence, surveillance and of 100,000 ‘Elapsed Time Indicator’
reconnaissance, and humanitarian (operational flying hours) for the
assistance. The LITENING pods LITENING Pod fleet in early 2021.
contain high resolution sensors and BAE Systems Aircraft Sustainment
powerful processors that are at the and Training Director Andrew
heart of the capability. Chapman, Director, said:
In a successful demonstration of “This has been a great program
Australian Industry Capability and that really demonstrates the
collaboration, BAE Systems has importance and benefits that come
been able to significantly grow the Systems LITENING Pod team proposed they could from collaboration.
workshop capability and the value provided to both increase their capabilities and work scope and, “It’s also a reflection of how we work with our
Northrop Grumman and the RAAF over this time. in conjunction with Northrop Grumman, quickly partners across programs that we lead such as
The company started out as a ‘nil fault found’ evolved to an ‘Intermediate Level’ maintenance Hawk Lead In Fighter and sustainment of the F-35
screening facility, simply testing and sending facility and were approved to carry out repairs to the Joint Strike Fighter.
faulty parts back to Northrop Grumman in the USA LITENING pods from their own base in Williamtown. “We are proud of the way that Defence industry
for repair. Recognising early on the opportunity The benefits to the RAAF were clear – more has been able to work together delivering the best
to deliver more quickly, and efficiently, the BAE LITENING pods were serviceable and available possible support Australia’s Defence Force.”
With our defence business spanning Australia, UK, USA and Canada, BMT stands ready to
support the next exciting chapter for the Royal Australian Navy. For over three decades we have
supported conventional and nuclear submarine acquisition, sustainment and modernisation.
AUSTRALIA UNITED KINGDOM UNITED KINGDOM
COLES
REVIEW
COLLINS CLASS ASTUTE CLASS VANGUARD CLASS
SUBMARINE SUSTAINMENT SUBMARINE PROGRAM SUBMARINE MODERNISATION
AUSTRALIA UNITED KINGDOM UNITED KINGDOM
ATTACK CLASS DREADNOUGHT CLASS TRAFALGAR CLASS
SUBMARINE PROGRAM SUBMARINE PROGRAM SUBMARINE SUSTAINMENT
Whole Life Warship
Capability Management CANADA NORWAY
VICTORIA CLASS SUBMARINE ULA CLASS
MODERNISATION & PROGRAM SUBMARINE MODERNISATION
www.bmt.org
GENERAL NEWS
generated by the mtu engine.
Penske main motor (Hanhwa photo)
Penske Australia’s assembly of the Redback’s
X1100 transmission will also expedite the
establishment of a viable local deep-maintenance
hub for other X1100 Allison cross-drive units
users locally and internationally. The new
maintenance hub will negate the need for these
transmissions to be exported for overhaul and
make a practical contribution to Australia’s
sovereign defence support capability applicable
across multiple programs.
Once the engine and transmission units are
assembled and tested, they will be delivered to
Hanwha’s armoured vehicle manufacturing facility
in Greater Geelong where an on-site Penske
Australia team will support assembly of the
powerpack ahead of vehicle installation with HDA.
Hanwha Defense Corporation, as the design
authority for the powerpack, will enable the
knowledge, skills and intellectual property transfer
to the Australian companies.
The strong Australia, South Korea connection in
what is a fundamental part of the Redback program
has been 18 months in the making. Bringing
together companies from Australia and South Korea
is one of the key objectives of Hanwha Defense
Australia’s Industry Development Strategy.
“It is great to have a company like Penske
Australia as part of Team Redback,” said Mr
PENSKE TO DRIVE LOCAL Australia under a technology transfer agreement Richard Cho, Managing Director of Hanwha
ASSEMBLY OF COMPLETE with STX Engine of South Korea. STX Engine, under Defense Australia, “and it is particularly satisfying
licence from mtu, have localised and modified the the see Penske working so closely with two South
POWERPACK MODULES FOR engine over several decades and will be directly Korean companies on such an important aspect of
THE HANWHA REDBACK involved in knowledge and skills transfer. our Redback program.
INFANTRY FIGHTING VEHICLE The mtu engine variant for the Redback is a “Penske is a globally renowned powerhouse
29 September 2021 high speed, water-cooled, twin-turbo, four- stroke, in the automotive and transport industries and
direct injection, intercooled diesel, the same as that Hanwha Defense Australia is proud to be working
Penske Australia will assemble mtu engines and used in Hanwha’s K9 self- propelled howitzer and with them to establish Australian defence support
Allison transmissions and integrate them locally comes with a proven reputation for performance capabilities that will have broad applications
into complete powerpacks for the Hanwha Redback and reliability. across various vehicles and fleets,” Mr Cho said.
Infantry Fighting Vehicle should it be selected for In a similar arrangement, Penske Australia will “We are proud to be a part of team Redback,”
service in the Australian Defence Force. also conduct local assembly and testing of the said Mr Hamish Christie-Johnston, Managing
Penske Australia will also embed a team Allison X1100 series cross drive transmission Director of Penske Australia, “and are very much
of specialist technicians within Hanwha’s under licence using kits supplied by SNT looking forward to making a further contribution
manufacturing facility to support the assembly Dynamics, a South Korean company and long- to Australia’s local defence capabilities as part of
and integration of the powerpack into the Redback term supply partner of Allison. Hanwha’s Land 400 Phase 3 offer.
vehicles during production. The Allison variant selected for the Redback is a “Engine and transmission assembly and
The Redback is under consideration by the cross-drive transmission with proven technology, powerpack integration play to Penske Australia’s
Commonwealth under an ongoing tender process operational in Hanwha’s K9 self-propelled core strengths, and we will certainly make every
for Project LAND 400 Phase 3, which is an $18 howitzers fleets around the globe as well as the effort and investment necessary in facilities and
billion to $27 billion project tasked to acquire up X1100 series transmission fitted to the Abrams personnel to ensure that the Redback has the
to 450 Infantry Fighting Vehicles. M1A1 main battle tank which has been in-service reliable power and drive it requires.
The 1000hp eight-cylinder mtu MT881Ka-500 with the ADF since 2007. It is more than capable “It’s great to be part of a program that will
diesel engines will be built and tested locally of handling the Redback’s 40-plus tonne combat generate such a formidable local capability,”
enabling the in-country sustainment by Penske weight and the staggering 3030 Nm of torque Mr Christie-Johnston said.
10 Asia Pacific Defence Reporter OCT 2021LOCKHEED MARTIN SUPPORTS and in Australia and look forward to working with
U.S. INDO PACIFIC COMMAND them to build on the capabilities the F-35 has
IN BILATERAL EXERCISE WITH proven thus far.”
In the 21st century battlespace, dominance will
AUSTRALIA be determined by the ability to securely connect
FORT WORTH, Texas, 29 September 2021
high-tech platforms into one cohesive network that
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II and Virtual spans every domain – air, land, sea, space and
Aegis Weapon System (VAWS) demonstrated the cyber. This recent demonstration strengthens the
ability to share real-time sensor data from Fort U.S. military’s interoperability with its allies against
Worth, Texas, to Honolulu, Hawaii, and on to the the heightened strategic threat environment.
Australian Defence Force during a recent military Only the F-35 has the ability to reach into
exercise between the United States and Australia. austere environments to provide critical real-time
In partnership with U.S. Indo Pacific Command, information back to allied defense forces.
Lockheed Martin’s participation in Talisman Sabre Starting with Talisman Sabre in 2019, Lockheed
2021 (TS21) continued the military/industry Martin has collaborated with U.S. Indo-Pacific
team’s experimentation efforts to improve joint Command on experimentation to enhance kill
interoperability between U.S. services and allies. Lockheed Martin Australia’s Next Generation Deployable webs, which are a multitude of sensors that
Facility deployed to RAAF Base Williamtown in support of
The exchange of real-time F-35 data with non-F- Talisman Sabre 2021. (Lockheed Martin photo) collect, prioritize, process, and share data, then
35 platforms outside of the United States via the fuse it into a continuously updated display of
F-35’s multi-function advanced data link directly proven that its sensor fusion capabilities make information for joint forces. The demonstrations
supports goals presented in the Pacific it the most advanced node in the 21st century conducted during TS21 are further proof of
Deterrence Initiative. This initiative includes warfare network-centric architecture,” said Bridget Lockheed Martin’s ability to quickly connect
using large-scale exercises to pursue innovative Lauderdale, Lockheed Martin vice president and advanced technology, provide commanders more
experimentation in support of building joint general manager of the F-35 program. “We options to meet their objectives, and ensure
all-domain information sharing capabilities. are proud to deliver on the expectations of our warfighters have the information needed to quickly
“With this demonstration, the F-35 has customers in the Indo-Pacific Command theatre make critical decisions in the battlespace.NUCLEAR SUBMARINES
KYM BERGMANN // CANBERRA
A DECISION OF ENORMOUS CONSEQUENCES
TAKEN WITH LITTLE ANALYSIS
The more that is known about the circumstances leading up to the September 16 announcement that Australia will acquire
nuclear powered submarines the clearer it is that this was a high-level political decision. There is nothing wrong with that,
but this one seems to be almost completely lacking in substance with Defence having to simultaneously wrap up existing
contracts with Naval Group and Lockheed Martin while also starting work on how to go down the nuclear path.
– more nuanced – Taiwan.
The role of the UK in the region is far less
significant, though it is a member of the Five Power
Defence Agreement with Australia, Singapore,
Malaysia and New Zealand. The FPDA is a remnant
of low intensity conflict between Indonesia and
Malaysia between 1963 and 1966. While still active,
it has little practical utility. The UK has few – if any -
direct strategic interests in the Asia-Pacific.
Given the already guaranteed involvement of
the US, what Australia seems to have gained in
strategic terms is the addition of the UK – but at the
exclusion of France, which sounds like a very bad
deal. Whatever one thinks of the French – and on
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (Sept. 1, 2021) The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Missouri various internet chat groups there has been a lot
(SSN 780) departs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled deployment in the 7th Fleet area of of uncontrolled anonymous glee about them being
responsibility, Sept. 1, 2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Amanda R. Gray)
kicked out of the submarine deal – they at least have a
substantial long-term presence in the APAC through
A
ccording to the British media, the first – and all CASG, including the Attack class team – New Caledonia, French Polynesia and a number of
indication that Australia was up to something only knew what was happening the night before the other external territories.
was when our Chief of Navy VADM Noonan announcement. Another part of the arrangement was What Australia has gained in principle is access to
invited his UK counterpart First Sea Lord Sir Tony that Australia was given the job of gently and tactfully US and UK nuclear submarine propulsion technology,
Radakin for a chat at the London High Commission explaining this to the French – and we can see how which in turn, is the based on a 1958 agreement
in March. Without any forewarning or preparation, the well that went. between those two countries. The US had established
Australian asked whether the UK and the US would be an early lead with the development of the world’s first
prepared to help Australia develop a fleet of nuclear AUKUS AGREEMENT nuclear reactor in 1942, followed by the atomic bomb
submarines to better counter the growing threat of For those analysts arguing that this is the deal of a in 1945 and then the launch of the USS Nautilus in
China. century and a fundamental realignment of forces in 1954 – and transferred that propulsion technology to
The First Sea Lord apparently passed the buck to Asia to combat the growth of China, it appears to be Britain as a counterweight to the growing threat of the
Sir Stephen Lovegrove, the Permanent Secretary of nothing quite so ambitious. The entire document is Soviet Union.
the Ministry of Defence who then set up ‘Operation 6 paragraphs. That is nothing like a binding security Even today it is unclear whether the UK is actually
Hookless’ – a Top Secret effort to bring the Biden treaty, such as ANZUS that commits Australia, New independent regarding naval reactors, though
Administration on board and which involved a very Zealand and the United States to each other’s defence. Rolls Royce have been building them for decades.
small number of people. It appears that the UK Instead it is a technology sharing arrangement: https:// Some sources say that the US continues to own
negotiated with Washington on Australia’s behalf – www.pm.gov.au/media/joint-leaders-statement-aukus the intellectual property and that they are effectively
which sounds a bit colonial and fits other parts of the The US is already heavily committed to the security being manufactured under license. Others disagree
narrative. of the Asian region by not only being physically present – though the Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) fuel for
Meanwhile in Australia, the handful of people who with major bases in Japan, South Korea and Australia those reactors comes from the US.
knew about the deal kept the information to themselves but also due to a network of treaties. In addition to While the USN is undoubtedly in a strong position
and the impending move to completely scrap SEA ANZUS, these include the Quad with Japan, India and to help Australia develop our own fleet of nuclear
1000 and kick out the French was kept secret. Australia, as well as strong bilateral ties with many submarines, the ability of the UK to do so is far less
Several sources have indicated that most of Defence other nations such as Singapore, the Philippines and clear. The current generation of Astute class SSN
12 Asia Pacific Defence Reporter OCT 2021NUCLEAR SUBMARINES
attack submarines have had a troubled history, with not fall into the wrong hands. to France for a short time – hardly a major impediment
the US – in the form of prime contractor Electric Boat The inspection process for a nuclear reactor is to naval operations.
– having to step in quite early in the piece to sort out detailed and lengthy, involving x-raying all components. In a scathing address to the National Press Club
the program. This needs to take place in a secure environment, via video link on September 29, former Prime Minister
It is possible that the same RN people assuring which is why nuclear submarine bases are massive Malcolm Turnbull agreed with this assessment – and
Australia of unlimited support for our future submarines structures with concrete and lead walls a couple of added that the Morrison government had destroyed
are the same ones who misled us only four years ago metres thick. Australia has nothing remotely like these Australia’s credibility and trustworthiness with the
about the status of the Type 26 Global Combat Ship facilities – and they will be necessary just to regularly shock announcement. He said the government
– the design on which the Hunter class is based. This inspect the future submarines, even without the need position is that HEU reactors being used in the Virginia
strategically vital surface combatant is already two for nuclear refuelling. and Astute classes don’t need to be refuelled for the
years late and facing a raft of technical issues. Problems with nuclear propulsion systems life of the submarine is questionable:
UK Inc insisted that the Type 26 was a fully mature occasionally occur. The Virginia class submarine USS “This is a sort of breezy assurance that a naval
low risk design that could be easily adapted to Minnesota was taken out of commission in 2015 nuclear reactor powered with weapons grade uranium
Australian requirements. This was not true. In addition, for two years when engineers discovered a cracked is something like a battery you might pick up from
lavish commitments were made about a massive elbow pipe in the reactor. Because the submarine was Bunnings for your Makita power tool set.
amount of Australian industry content for the Hunter designed without access hatches in the pressure hull “When you look at it, you have to say that a
class that have been progressively unravelling. Similar for the reactor a way had to be found to cut out and responsible government would have had an open and
promises about the use of Australian systems on future replace the defective part, which turned out to be a honest discussion with our partner France. Maybe
UK warships have so far amounted to next to nothing. massive undertaking. we should have built our first three submarines with
So much for the UK being a trusted technology Another issue is that HEU can only be produced diesel-electric propulsion and then moved to LEU later
partner. with a huge industrial effort – and the US will run out for the balance of the fleet. The fact that there was no
of it by 2050. For this, and a number of other reasons, discussion – and this extraordinary subterfuge and
THE TRUTH ABOUT NAVAL there is an active debate about whether the USN deceit – has left us with so many unresolved questions.
NUCLEAR REACTORS should move from HEU reactors to commercial grade Anyone who questions it – such as the Labor Party –
Low Enriched Uranium (LEU), which uses less than are essentially accused of being unpatriotic.”
At the heart of the AUKUS deal is the assertion 20% U-235, compared with greater than 90% for
that US and UK naval nuclear reactors are the best in weapons grade material. THE ROLE OF NUCLEAR
the world because they arrive as sealed modules and The current debate favours the continued use of SUBMARINES
once installed never need to be refuelled, giving the HEU for the Virginia class and the Colombia SSBNs
submarines unlimited power for their entire 30-year life. under development – but after that a switch to LEU The countries that have acquired nuclear powered
This has been stated by both Prime Minister Morrison might occur. The USN is actively funding LEU reactor attack submarines are the US; UK; France; Russia
and Defence Minister Dutton as the main attraction of research, though this is turning into a political football and China – with India in the process of joining the
going nuclear. with Democrats in favour but Republicans opposed. club. They have done so for a variety of reasons, mainly
This assertion has also been made in the media HEU reactors have the benefit that the higher energy because they need – or think they need – global reach.
– including by APDR – but on closer examination it density of their fuel means that they are more compact, This partly relates to having a nuclear triad, with SSNs
is wrong, or at the very least vastly understates the but this is not an insurmountable advantage. needed to protect one’s own ballistic missile firing
complexity of the situation. One of the ironies in the current situation is that SSBNS – and having the need to hunt enemy SSBNs.
The stuff powering US and UK reactors is weapon’s France is a world leader in the development of This logic applies to all of the countries listed above.
grade uranium. It comes from decommissioned LEU naval reactor technology. In 1959 it sought Australia does not have a nuclear triad and we
nuclear warheads, the material from which has been to join the US-UK program but was excluded and certainly have no intention of projecting power around
repurposed since the end of the Cold War to power decided to pursue its own path. A key early decision the world, at least not under any sane government.
submarines. The isotope involved – Uranium 235 – is was to harmonise military programs with the civil Our justification for going nuclear is therefore slightly
one of the most dangerous and deadly substances on nuclear sector. This was given a further boost in 1974 unusual and only hinges on a couple of factors. These
earth, with significant exposure being fatal to humans. when because of the oil price crisis, France decided are that our submarines need to travel great distances
It’s use, handling and storage is highly regulated. to massively expand its use of atomic energy and and that they remain underwater for longer than can be
It is correct that the core itself for current as a consequence remains at the forefront of the achieved using diesel-electric propulsion.
generation reactors such as the US SG9 or the UK development of LEU technology. Neither of these factors automatically leads to the
PWR2 does not need to be refuelled – but all the The downside that LEU naval reactors need to be conclusion that we need nuclear SSNs.
associated machinery of pipes, pumps, shielding, refuelled every 10 years or so seems to have been
metal rods and so on must be regularly checked to overstated. The procedure is scheduled to take place THE ROLE OF AIR INDEPENDENT
safeguard against corrosion and cracking. A nuclear during the submarine’s Full Cycle Docking and takes PROPULSION
accident, particularly involving HEU, could have about five days to complete. If Australia had pursued
catastrophic consequences and must be protected a nuclear-powered Barracuda submarine rather than One of the most startling omissions in the current
against at all costs. Stringent safeguards must be in seek to convert it to diesel-electric propulsion all that debate about nuclear versus diesel electric propulsion
place to make sure that even a small quantity does would have been required was a once in a decade visit – with many commentators favouring nuclear – is
Asia Pacific Defence Reporter OCT 2021 13NUCLEAR SUBMARINES
that the performance difference between the two comes on-line in about 2040 it will not be able to on trivial subjects. If they had succeeded in building
have been narrowing rapidly for 20 years. This is go anywhere near the Chinese coast – which would up some enthusiasm for their bid it would have made
because several navies have added AIP systems seem to cancel out the need for it to have extreme Australia think twice about cancelling “the deal
to their conventional submarines, increasing their range in the first place. of the century”- but remarkably they managed to
underwater endurance from a day or two to a achieve the opposite effect.
fortnight – and more. Countries that have this NUCLEAR POWERED SUBMARINE At the same time, the company was so awash
capability include: Sweden; Germany; Spain; Italy, TOP SPEED with Australian money that on at least two occasions
Singapore; Japan and South Korea. China, Russia they sponsored a yacht in the annual Sydney-
and India all have extremely active AIP programs. One of benefits of a nuclear reactor is that it Hobart race, along with a luxury cruiser to observe
The RAN, almost uniquely, has ignored the can continually produce huge amounts of power, the departure with handpicked guests no doubt
performance benefits of AIP, which combined with whether it uses HEU or LEU. This translates into drinking champagne and nibbling on canapes. A
new battery technologies such as lithium ion is being able to maintain enormous top speeds for more offensive middle finger gesture to Australian
revolutionising the performance of conventional days at a time – something that is well beyond the taxpayers could hardly be imagined with Naval
submarines – particularly for underwater endurance. means of a diesel-electric submarine. AIP does Group sending the message: “Haha suckers – look
This resistance to the technology is from a submarine not help in this regard – it increases underwater at what we are doing with your money.”
service that has never actually fired a single torpedo endurance but the technology is optimised for low If anyone thinks that this is the French way, it is
during hostilities. speed patrols. not. Other companies such as Thales and Safran
Whether it is by using an internal combustion This is unarguably a major benefit of having a Electronics and Defense have always behaved
engine, such as the Stirling developed in Sweden, submarine like a Virginia or an Astute – but there impeccably, aware of their corporate responsibilities
or hydrogen fuel cells, or any of the other must be questions about whether this characteristic and willing to explain how their activities benefit the
methodologies, AIP has become a low cost, low risk alone is worth the extra tens of billions of dollars, an ADF in particular and Australia at large.
way of dramatically improving the indiscretion rates Australian industry hiatus of more than a decade – Another unfortunate casualty of the cancellation
of highly capable conventional submarines. All AIP possibly longer – and all the attendant complexity of the Attack program is combat system prime
variants are quieter than nuclear reactors because and disruption of joining the nuclear club, including contractor Lockheed Martin Australia, which has
they do not need to continually operate pumps a loss of sovereignty. made impressive progress on that part of the
circulating cooling fluid. project, along with numerous local suppliers. This
NAVAL GROUP GETTING EXACTLY looks to be a huge waste of talent, unless Defence
WHY IS EXTENDED RANGE WHAT THEY DESERVE can come up with some sort of gap filler work during
NECESSARY FOR AUSTRALIA? the next 18 months study period.
The company has been humiliated on the world
The usual reason given is that Australian submarines stage by having a massive contract cancelled THE WAY FORWARD
need to operate far from home with vast transit without warning – and even worse, the preferred In answering a question from APDR about
times. This has become code for the need to patrol solution is coming from the Anglosphere. However, whether France could be brought back in, Malcolm
off the coast of China to be able to sink enemy in life you reap what you sow – and Naval Group has Turnbull said:
warships including SSBNs as they are leaving their brought this sorry situation entirely upon themselves. “I certainly think it would be worth trying. It’s pretty
home ports. While this might be in the interests of Whatever the considerable technical merits of the obvious that Washington has been embarrassed by
Washington, it is not clear why this should also be company, since being awarded the contract they the blundering, deceitful way that Scott Morrison
a priority for Australia - particularly given the large have behaved with the most appalling arrogance, has handled this. It may be too late because the
number of choke points throughout the Indonesian obviously believing that the program was too damage has been enormous because there was so
archipelago that are much closer to home. big to fail. The official Australian line of “cultural much trust in it…. Maybe a new government could
Another way of addressing the range issue, if it differences” being a major problem is code for do that.”
is really that important, would be to forward base dealing with a company whose French senior Replacing the Collins class has been such a mess
Australian submarines on the US island of Guam. A management seemed indifferent to Australian for so long that we probably have no alternative
further way is through an increased use of stealthy industry content in particular. While there had other than to let the US sort it out for us –
autonomous unlimited endurance Uninhabited been a recent shakeup of the structure, this was though there are no easy or obvious solutions. The
Underwater Vehicle (UUV) technology, which is the far too late. Virginia class is reaching the end of production and
way of the future. Naval Group’s treatment of the Australian media their replacement – the SSN(X) program due to
Additionally, this all needs to be seen against was a microcosm of how they took a lot of initial good come online in 2031 – is poorly defined. It seems
the backdrop of the Chinese Navy – the PLA(N) will and managed to turn it into a situation where they unlikely that the USN, let alone the RN, has spare
– massively increasing its anti-submarine warfare are now completely friendless. Unlike every other submarines that they could lease to Australia.
capabilities. These include the extensive use of prime contractor awarded a major contract, they What is likely to happen is that rather than being
seafloor sonar arrays and submarine hunting teams refused to provide any meaningful information about able to stand up to China we will be weakened, with
of uninhabited surface vessels using dipping sonar the $2.4 billion they have received, ignored requests only the refurbished Collins class providing Australia
and lightweight torpedoes to prosecute contacts. for briefings and disdained engagement, preferring with an undersea deterrent capability for the next
By the time an Australian nuclear submarine instead to issue rare written press releases usually 30 years.
14 Asia Pacific Defence Reporter OCT 2021COLLINS
HMAS Rankin at sea during AUSINDEX 21.
Credit: CoA / Yury Ramsey
KYM BERGMANN // CANBERRA
COLLINS LOTE AND SEA 1439 CAPABILITY
ENHANCEMENTS
The decision that Australia will acquire nuclear submarines has enormous ramifications, the consequences of which are only
now being worked through. High on that list will be the need to keep the Collins class in service for even longer than anticipated
because of the timescales involved from changing technology direction so abruptly. The earliest that an Australian designed and
built nuclear submarine could enter service would be around 2040.
T
here has been some speculation that with this one finishing 25 years ago, many have been upgraded even longer given the lethargic pace at which many
timeline in mind the government will seek to and they are still formidable platforms. Whether the Australian infrastructure projects move – especially
lease some existing nuclear submarines to US is interested in leasing them – something that has ones involving state governments. For a country
start training crews and have an interim capability never been done previously – is still to be seen, let happily watching the Sydney-Melbourne rail link
available. This is fine in theory, but the reality is that alone the terms and conditions that might be attached degrade to one of Third World standard, it would be
the USN does not appear to have any spare Virginia to such a deal. a surprise if a brand new, heavily regulated nuclear
class SSNs and the Royal Navy definitely cannot However, to enter service in Australia a couple of submarine base could be created from nothing in less
spare an Astute since only four out of a total order of obvious things are needed: crews able to operate than a decade.
seven are in service. them and facilities where they could be docked. The Collins class have quite a lot of hull life left for
It is possible that the USN would be able to find While neither issue is insurmountable, time is needed. several reasons including a sound basic design and
some older Los Angeles class SSNs, which are being For a while mixed RAN-USN crews could be used early restrictions on the depth to which they could
progressively retired. Despite construction of the final while local expertise is built up. Facilities could take dive. The proposed Life Of Type Extension program
16 Asia Pacific Defence Reporter OCT 2021COLLINS
will tackle areas of obsolescence and will seek to make intercept array and – very recently – the towed array. the weight and diameter of the towed array. We think
a number of improvements to the platform, including Given that the sonar suite collects by far the largest we have a world leading capability edge thanks to
things such as potentially replacing the diesel engines amount of data used by the combat system, the our work with DSTG and also some quite remarkable
and batteries. Unfortunately, the prime contractor importance of the work cannot be understated. There Australian SMEs. It’s our intention to start incorporating
ASC – administered as part of the Department of are some other sensors such as those on the masts some of this new technology into the next evolution of
Finance – is so constrained by regulations that it is – optronic, radar and ESM – but these are only used the product. We plan to do this in a low risk fashion
unable to comment on what the program might look during the very brief intervals when the submarine is and might not introduce every possible change in the
like. This inflexibility does not bode well. on, or close to, the surface at periscope depth first iteration, but do so in a series of steps.”
The core enabling technology for modern sonars are
piezo-ceramics which convert the energy from sound
The Collins class have quite a lot of hull life left for several reasons waves travelling through water into precise electrical
including a sound basic design and early restrictions on the depth signals. This is a domain in which Thales has invested
a great deal of effort, with Mr Stephen continuing:
to which they could dive. “Our Acoustics Centre of Excellence in Rydalmere,
Western Sydney, has some incredibly smart people,
The other program of direct relevance is the multi- If anything, the sonar suite is becoming even more with skills from electronics, mechanical engineers,
phased SEA 1439, which is a rolling upgrade of critical for Australian submarine operations with each mathematicians, material scientists – and many
the sensors and systems of Collins to keep the element of it needing to be operating at full capacity others. The reason we have such a diverse and
submarines moving with the times with upgraded before the start of a deployment. talented group of technical people is because of the
communications, and ESM suite. The current SEA In essence, due to changes in technology, the complexity inherent in sonar systems. We need all of
1439 Phase 6 is the replacement of the sonar suite, arrays are becoming lighter and more sensitive. these disciplines to develop next generation products
which remains easily the most important of the This particularly benefits the towed array, which is a – and we have been investing heavily through self-
sensors being responsible for the vast majority of data linear array structure full of copper wire and sensors funded R&D.
collected by the submarine, particularly when dived. streamed out for hundreds of metres behind the “Over the past 20 years working on Collins, we have
The key supplier of this is Thales Australia, who submarine providing a huge aperture for detecting also developed an extensive organisational ecosystem
supplied the original ‘Scylla’ system starting in 1987 – sounds. Thales Australia has been working closely that includes SMEs, local suppliers and academia, as
judged at that time to be easily the best available in the with DSTG on many improvements, including the well as our strategic alliance with DSTG.
world. Under SEA 1439 Phase 6 it is being upgraded, possibility of replacing copper with optic fibre, which “What makes a submarine so potent is its ability to
with work on the first submarine now complete. It is is both lighter, more robust and much more efficient detect without itself being detected. For the last 10
entirely possible that further upgrades will be needed for data transmission. years we have been developing the next generation
since the Collins fleet will have to keep operating until Troy Stephen, Thales Australia Vice President, transducer – the heart of an acoustic sensor – and
2040 – and possibly for some time beyond that. Underwater Systems, explained: it’s amazing technology that we’ll deliver to the RAN
The sonar upgrades are coordinated closely with “These developments have the potential to reduce and to our allies.”
the Combat System Manager, Raytheon Australia
and with ASC, who are responsible for the submarine
platform and its availability – especially for mid-cycle
and full-cycle dockings. The amount of work being
carried out is substantial with the replacement of
the large flank arrays running down each side of the
submarine and the huge cylindrical array – one of the
largest and most capable in the world – sitting in the
bow and responsible for the distinctive shape of the
Collins class. The other significant part of the mix is
the towed array although there are others, such as an
active obstacle avoidance sonar.
Thales Australia was awarded the design contract in
2018 and now HMAS Waller – the first of class to be
upgraded – is undertaking sea trials. Work is currently
underway on the next two submarines on the list. As
well as replacing the external arrays, all of the onboard
computers and racks of equipment responsible for
the advanced signal processing needed are being
swapped out with contemporary electronics.
The Member for Fremantle, Mr Josh Wilson MP (right) and the Shadow Minister for Defence Industry and Member for
The project is going well and the company has been Burt, Mr Matt Keogh MP, look on at Collins Class Submarine, HMAS Collins, during a boat transfer from Fleet Base West
awarded additional work upgrading the high frequency to HMAS Collins as part of the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program. Credit: CoA / Damian Pawlenko
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