AUKUS: Impossible to Break – Strengthening Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific ::)

It's the SSN purchase that's getting all the publicity but AUKUS is much more than that. It's an unprecedented sharing of knowledge and resources that has made some of the more militant and expansionist states take notice, which is where much of the criticism of this treaty originates from. 

Brian Ross wrote on Jan 4^th, 2024 at 8:25pm:

AUKUS: Impossible to Break – Strengthening Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific ::)

Yeah, like a candy stick.

Even more US-Australia submarine collaboration on the horizon [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Brian Ross wrote on Jan 5^th, 2024 at 11:29am:

Even more US-Australia submarine collaboration on the horizon [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

The US want more money?

From drones to sonobuoys, AUKUS partners betting on AI :o

I recently had the chance to ask a very expensive bit of AI gear some simple questions and the replies were so far off the mark as to be worrying.

Joint Australia-US defence work ramps up [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

It has been rumored that New Zealand defence minister is meeting her Australian counterpart on Thursday and reports are New Zealand will formally request to join Pillar 2 of AUKUS. ::)

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 1^st, 2024 at 5:13pm:

It has been rumored that New Zealand defence minister is meeting her Australian counterpart on Thursday and reports are New Zealand will formally request to join Pillar 2 of AUKUS. ::)

This is a short description of P2

" According to the bureaucratic language of the AUKUS announcement, the purpose of Pillar Two is to “enhance our joint capabilities and interoperability.” Yet the scope of the original agreement was massive, covering “cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and additional undersea capabilities.” A few months later, four more areas were added to these “advanced capabilities:” hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities, EW, innovation, and information sharing.”

So, once again, the Kiwis want to buy into every one elses’ research and development at the smallest cost.   AUKUS is the primary platform for the development, acquisition, operation, maintenance and disposal of Australia’s nuclear submarine capability.   We are led to believe that may lead to a common UK, AUS,US boat.  NZ will most probably never allow nuclear submarines in it’s territorial waters, let alone acquire them.  They wangled themselves into "5 eyes” now they want to play with the big boys for the lowest cost possible.    

Please say “NO” would be my message to our Defence Minister.  We cannot afford NZ out of our budgets

Vic wrote on Feb 1^st, 2024 at 5:45pm:

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 1st, 2024 at 5:13pm: It has been rumored that New Zealand defence minister is meeting her Australian counterpart on Thursday and reports are New Zealand will formally request to join Pillar 2 of AUKUS. ::) This is a short description of P2 " According to the bureaucratic language of the AUKUS announcement, the purpose of Pillar Two is to “enhance our joint capabilities and interoperability.” Yet the scope of the original agreement was massive, covering “cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and additional undersea capabilities.” A few months later, four more areas were added to these “advanced capabilities:” hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities, EW, innovation, and information sharing.” So, once again, the Kiwis want to buy into every one elses’ research and development at the smallest cost.   AUKUS is the primary platform for the development, acquisition, operation, maintenance and disposal of Australia’s nuclear submarine capability.   We are led to believe that may lead to a common UK, AUS,US boat.  NZ will most probably never allow nuclear submarines in it’s territorial waters, let alone acquire them.  They wangled themselves into "5 eyes” now they want to play with the big boys for the lowest cost possible.     Please say “NO” would be my message to our Defence Minister.  We cannot afford NZ out of our budgets

Exactly, and given the Kiwis way too cosy relationship with the PRC they should be kept well out of AUKUS and any other significant  military cooperation.

New Zealand moves closer to being included in part of AUKUS partnership [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 2^nd, 2024 at 2:40pm:

New Zealand moves closer to being included in part of AUKUS partnership [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Not a good idea. New Zealand has little to contribute technically and the anti nuclear agenda and relationship with the PRC makes them too great a risk.

AUKUS trial advances AI and autonomy collaboration ::)

Aussie sailors to join US Navy sub tender to build AUKUS capabilities [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Navy Virginia-Class Submarine Program and AUKUS Submarine Proposal: Background and Issues for Congress 8-)

Brian Ross wrote on Jan 4^th, 2024 at 8:25pm:

AUKUS: Impossible to Break – Strengthening Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific ::)

Yeah, like the bonds of matrimony or a politician’s oath of allegiance.

AUKUS Introductions ::)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukWINl2071o

US sub decision sparks concerns for AUKUS

The New Daily
Mar 13, 2024


Virginia-class submarines supposed to be delivered this year are running more than 30 months late.



Former PM Malcolm Turnbull has warned Australia may never get the nuclear submarines it was promised under AUKUS, after a drastic funding decision in the US.   :(

Under the AUKUS agreement, the US will sell Australia at least three, and possibly five, second-hand Virginia-class subs in the early 2030s – the first by 2032.


But production of one submarine has been cut from the proposed US defence budget for 2025, sparking concerns for Canberra’s planned acquisition.

Turnbull said Australia was completely dependent on Washington to acquire the sub and US would always back its own navy if there was a shortage in production.

“The reality is the Americans are not going to make their submarine deficit worse than it is already by giving or selling submarines to Australia, and the AUKUS legislation actually sets that up,” he told ABC radio on Wednesday.

“We are bobbing along as a cork in the maelstrom of American politics.

“The reality is, unless the Americans are able to dramatically change the pace at which they’re producing submarines – and there’s no reason to believe they will be able to do so – we will not ever get the submarines that were promised.”

US defence under-secretary comptroller and chief financial officer Michael McCord said Virginia-class submarines meant to be delivered this year in America were running an average of more than 30 months late.

There are still more than a dozen subs ordered and in production.

The US reportedly must lift its submarine production to two a year by 2028 to even meet its own needs.



To allow for sales to Australia, it needs an annual build rate of 2.33. But its for the past decade has been just 1.3 subs a year.

Former senator, and one-time submariner, Rex Patrick took aim at the AUKUS arrangements on Wednesday.

“We’re pouring $4.7 billion into US shipyards to get the US sub production rate from 1.4 subs per annum to 2.3. If, after we’ve handed over our money, they only hit 2 boats per annum, the US fulfil their sub needs and we get NO subs at all,” he wrote on X.

“Even if the 2.3 target is hit, the President can renege if transferring the subs is not ‘consistent with US foreign policy and national security interest’. Those ‘Humpty Dumpty’ words can mean just what the President choses them to mean; nothing more, nothing less.”   :(

President Joe Biden’s budget request for 2025 also includes US$11 billion ($16.7 billion) for additional investment over the next five years for the domestic submarine industry.

“We’ve already had some beginnings of submarine industrial base investments … It was a priority in last year’s budget, which, again, we don’t have that money yet, so that’s a problem,” McCord said.

Australia will also contribute $3 billion to the US submarine industry to help increase production rates.   :(

McCord said spending money to prop up the industry rather than spending it on another submarine was a smarter investment, as the US pushed to boost its production rate to two submarines a year.

“We thought that going a different direction was our best move in that,” he said.

But Defence Minister Richard Marles said that despite the financial decisions, Australia, Britain and the US remained committed to the AUKUS pact under which the subs would be delivered.

“All three AUKUS partners are working at pace to integrate our industrial bases and to realise this historic initiative between our countries,” he said.

Rank and file Labor members have come out against the AUKUS agreement, questioning why Australia would send billions of dollars to prop up the US production line.   :(

Labor Against War branded the US budget cut to the Virginia-class a “potential lethal blow to AUKUS”.

Australia will also contribute $3 billion to the US submarine industry to help increase production rates.   :(   Where is the money coming from?.   :(   

Australia is joining the free money handouts to US industry.

Australia should buy Chinese submarines. They can deliver at about 20% of the price of US products.

Australia will never get US subs. It might get to name a sub which has several Australian sailors under  the command of a US officer.

New Zealand in AUKUS ‘no guarantee,’ but discussions active: Defense minister ::)

Brian Ross wrote on Mar 19^th, 2024 at 3:07pm:

New Zealand in AUKUS ‘no guarantee,’ but discussions active: Defense minister ::)

I think this bit says it all..."Instead, the government has called for public spending cuts across all departments, including 7.5 percent from the New Zealand Ministry of Defence and 6.5 percent from the NZDF."

As mentioned in previous comments NZ is looking for defence handouts while contributing very little. Given their ties with China they are an unreliable ally and I doubt the UK and especially the US would look favourably on them joining. We have precedent for this with the ANZUS issue. We do not want NZ causing problems for us again.

UK and Australia set to elevate defence relationship to NATO level with new 'status of forces' agreement 8-)

Brian Ross wrote on Mar 21^st, 2024 at 12:59pm:

UK and Australia set to elevate defence relationship to NATO level with new 'status of forces' agreement 8-)

We are already a de facto member given our our 'global partner' relationship with NATO. This new SOFA is probably because there will be increasing numbers of UK personnel posted here, many with their families.

British industry to receive nearly $5 billion from Australia to help build nuclear-powered submarines in Adelaide 8-)

Planning for nuclear submarine sustainment 8-)

Industry partners confirmed for multi-billion SSN-AUKUS deal 8-)

Defence Minister Richard Marles confident Kevin Rudd can deliver AUKUS under Trump presidency, despite 'nasty' remarks 8-)

Japan to discuss AUKUS defense tech partnership, says U.S. diplomat 8-)

Brian Ross wrote on Mar 24^th, 2024 at 12:55pm:

Defence Minister Richard Marles confident Kevin Rudd can deliver AUKUS under Trump presidency, despite 'nasty' remarks 8-)

No he can't. Trump is a vindictive bastard and Rudd's ill thought out remarks when Trump was running previously and none of the 'progressives' thought he had a chance, have come back to bite him.   He needs to be replaced with someone who can work with Trump, if it comes to that, getting what we want while stroking his ego.

Belgarion wrote on Mar 25^th, 2024 at 3:53pm:

Brian Ross wrote on Mar 24th, 2024 at 12:55pm: Defence Minister Richard Marles confident Kevin Rudd can deliver AUKUS under Trump presidency, despite 'nasty' remarks 8-) No he can't. Trump is a vindictive bastard and Rudd's ill thought out remarks when Trump was running previously and none of the 'progressives' thought he had a chance, have come back to bite him.   He needs to be replaced with someone who can work with Trump, if it comes to that, getting what we want while stroking his ego.

Trump may have to pull his head in.  Australia employs and controls Rudd, not el Presidente, despite what Trump may believe.  He can declare Rudd persona non grata but he cannot physically sack him. If Rudd apologises, Trump will need to be satisfied with that.  If he makes life difficult, we can make his life just as difficult if we wish.  Our alliance is greater than the ego of one man. ::)

DIU Partners With AUKUS Pillar II for International Prize Challenge 8-)

DIU launches first AUKUS prize challenge focused on electromagnetic spectrum 8-)

Australia's AUKUS submarines could be used to fight China in war over Taiwan, US official says :o

Japan to take part in AUKUS 'Pillar 2', America's ambassador to Japan tells Wall Street Journal :o

New Zealand’s AUKUS Capabilities ::)

Brian Ross wrote on Apr 4^th, 2024 at 3:48pm:

Australia's AUKUS submarines could be used to fight China in war over Taiwan, US official says :o

No kidding! :o Well aren't these journos on the ball! The PRC threat is the reason for the formation of AUKUS in the first place, and the inclusion of Japan would be a welcome addition. New Zealand on the other hand, we can well do without.

Brian Ross wrote on Apr 8^th, 2024 at 5:37pm:

New Zealand’s AUKUS Capabilities ::)

I think the caption of the photo accompanying the article tells us all we need to know about the subject matter knowledge of the authors.   ::)

Japan to be considered for membership in AUKUS military technology pact 8-)

Brian Ross wrote on Apr 9^th, 2024 at 11:29pm:

Japan to be considered for membership in AUKUS military technology pact 8-)

An excellent idea. Japan can being a lot of useful stuff to the party. I believe Canada is also making noises about joining as a tier II member.

Belgarion wrote on Apr 10^th, 2024 at 9:49am:

Brian Ross wrote on Apr 9th, 2024 at 11:29pm: Japan to be considered for membership in AUKUS military technology pact 8-) An excellent idea. Japan can being a lot of useful stuff to the party. I believe Canada is also making noises about joining as a tier II member.

Thing is, Japan, just like New Zealand has anti-nuclear clauses in it's constitution and legislation.  So what makes Japan more suitable than New Zealand for membership?   ::) ::)

Brian Ross wrote on Apr 10^th, 2024 at 1:39pm:

Belgarion wrote on Apr 10th, 2024 at 9:49am: Brian Ross wrote on Apr 9th, 2024 at 11:29pm: Japan to be considered for membership in AUKUS military technology pact 8-) An excellent idea. Japan can being a lot of useful stuff to the party. I believe Canada is also making noises about joining as a tier II member. Thing is, Japan, just like New Zealand has anti-nuclear clauses in it's constitution and legislation.  So what makes Japan more suitable than New Zealand for membership?   ::) ::)

Japan has bans on nuclear weapons, however it can bring other technology to the table. New Zealand would bring nothing except an expectation of hand outs and a too close relationship with the PRC. 

AUKUS Program Marks ‘Greatest Industrial Undertaking’ for Australia 8-)

Brian Ross wrote on Apr 11^th, 2024 at 3:17pm:

AUKUS Program Marks ‘Greatest Industrial Undertaking’ for Australia 8-)

Indeed. In spite of all the politics and naysaying, the project is moving quietly along.

AUKUS Partners Focus on Indo-Pacific Security in Shaping Joint Capabilities 8-)

Canada exploring possibility of joining AUKUS alliance, Trudeau says 8-)

America faces a challenge to deliver on AUKUS submarine deal, US Navy head concedes :o

AUKUS Underwater Capability Developments Target Torpedo-tube UUV System 8-)

Invest in the US industrial base to support our Navy and AUKUS: Raven 8-)

AUKUS Partnership Update 8-)

Patience, please. AUKUS Pillar 2 is indeed making progress 8-)

US prepares to scrap ITAR for AUKUS nations :o

Some info on Pillar 2 here 8-)

South Korea has had a meeting on joining AUKUS. :o

I have just returned from a visit to WA, where I was able to get a brief tour of HMAS Stirling. The amount of new construction happening surpasses anything I saw back in the 90s when I made my last visit. Our guide would not confirm or deny that all of this was mostly to do with AUKUS but it's not hard to join the dots.. 8-)

Belgarion wrote on May 2^nd, 2024 at 2:11pm:

I have just returned from a visit to WA, where I was able to get a brief tour of HMAS Stirling. The amount of new construction happening surpasses anything I saw back in the 90s when I made my last visit. Our guide would not confirm or deny that all of this was mostly to do with AUKUS but it's not hard to join the dots.. 8-)

That is to be expected, we now afterall. playing with the big kids in their playground now.   8-)

US won’t guarantee Australia will have complete control of Aukus submarines :o

AUKUS Forum News 8-)

ASC SELECTED AS SOVEREIGN SUBMARINE PARTNER 8-)

What has the AUKUS alliance accomplished in the last year? 8-)

With Japan and South Korea wanting to join AUKUS, and New Zealand considering parts of AUKUS membership, how long before Indonesia, the Philippines and parts of Southeast Asia apply to join making AUKUS the NATO of the Pacific?

MeisterEckhart wrote on May 10^th, 2024 at 6:42pm:

With Japan and South Korea wanting to join AUKUS, and New Zealand considering parts of AUKUS membership, how long before Indonesia, the Philippines and parts of Southeast Asia apply to join making AUKUS the NATO of the Pacific?

Interesting question.  Indonesia has long preferred a non-aligned stance.  The Philippines less so.  Malaysia prefers to remain uncommitted at this time. PNG?  No idea.  It is a mixed bag of nations and while most see the PRC as a threat, not that many view it quite that alarming.  SEATO was a similar mixed bag and was seen as primarily as means to suppress Independence Movements in SE Asia.

Scott Morrison says Donald Trump gave 'warm reception' to AUKUS pact at Trump Tower meeting ::)

Australia’s First National Defence Strategy: Deterrence Rules :o

Brian Ross wrote on May 16^th, 2024 at 1:03pm:

Scott Morrison says Donald Trump gave 'warm reception' to AUKUS pact at Trump Tower meeting ::)

Scott Morrison getting nice and cosy with a known rapist.

Tells you everything you need to know about that happy-clapping creep.

Solomon Islands praises Australia as 'partner of choice' 8-)

The future of AUKUS XLUUV platforms 8-)

https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/here-are-the-facts-about-australia-s-nuclear-submarine-program-20240528-p5jh6n

Submarine boss refuses to answer questions over multi-billion-dollar AUKUS payments ::) ::)

Australia makes undisclosed 'political commitments' in new AUKUS deal on transfer of naval nuclear technology ::)

Former Australian prime minister Paul Keating attacks senior members of Albanese government over AUKUS agreement and foreign policy :o

Defence Minister Richard Marles insists AUKUS milestone won't force Australia to accept foreign nuclear waste ::)

Australia is still finding out what it doesn't know about its secretive AUKUS deal ::)

Revamped AUKUS document reveals how US and UK can walk away from nuclear submarine deal :o

AUKUS Tests Cutting-Edge AI Drones in real-world rld Military Environment. 8-)

Weapons trade between US and Australia 'streamlined' as AUKUS partners lower export requirements ::)

US approves new ITAR rules for Australia and UK, in order to speed AUKUS arms exports ::)

If Australia improves our ties with Singapore, we could include them in the AUKUS pact. Maybe Japan, too. The we could have world security.

Laugh till you cry, you were banned from this forum.  Begone.  Do not return.

Brian Ross
Moderator

What did he do?

https://i.imgur.com/zSpxP1D.jpg

Loophole to be closed to rule out Australia accepting high-level nuclear waste from the US and UK :o

AUKUS, other agreements likely having ‘galvanizing effect’ in Beijing: Aussie ambassador
:o

Anduril brings Roadrunner drone and solid rocket motor to Australia for first time :o

AUKUS boss insists project remains on track despite frustrations and staff upheaval within submarine agency ::)

The strategic case for New Zealand to join AUKUS Pillar 2 8-)

Quad alliance 'here to stay' beyond November US election, leaders declare after Joe Biden's last meeting 8-)

Four takeaways from the prime minister's 48 hours in the US for the Quad 8-)

AUKUS advancing Indo-Pacific security with nuclear submarines and emerging tech, 8-)

House leaders urge White House to share more tech with Australia, UK 8-)

London hash out: Australian, UK and US defence ministers negotiate AUKUS treaty details  8-)

New AUKUS submarine servicing and shipbuilding precinct at Henderson to 'rival resources industry' in WA 8-)

Congressional report suggests Australia could dump plans to acquire AUKUS nuclear submarines :o

Brian Ross wrote on Oct 17^th, 2024 at 9:31pm:

Congressional report suggests Australia could dump plans to acquire AUKUS nuclear submarines :o

We should be so lucky.

Top admiral warns US far behind on building submarines needed to meet Aukus target 8-)

AUKUS accelerates development of hypersonic weapons 8-)

AUKUS will ‘cannibalize’ other programs with no budget boost: Former top Aussie general :o

China warns New Zealand against joining AUKUS :o >:(

Emergency funding plea for Virginia-class submarines sparks fresh AUKUS concerns ::)

Federal politics live: Defence Minister Richard Marles says he wants review of Australian Submarine Agency to be 'ruthless' :o

AUKUS risks are piling up. Australia must prepare to build French SSNs instead :o

Maybe give up on nuke subs?

Jovial Monk wrote on Dec 6^th, 2024 at 8:39pm:

Maybe give up on nuke subs?

That door is well and truly closed and bolted. The French subs are perhaps a better bet than the American or UK ones but they will still need to be nuclear.

8 kWh of heat can be generated from 1 kg of coal.
12 kWh from 1 kg of mineral oil
24,000,000 kWh from 1 kg of uranium-235.

Related to one kilogram, uranium-235 contains two to three million times the energy of coal or oil.

Subs have around 4 to 5 kg of U-235

Once upon a time ships burnt coal modern ships burn bunkers which is heavy fuel oil.


Quote:

US State Department approves US$250m Tomahawk cruise missile deal with Australia https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/joint-capabilities/13407-us-state-department-approves-us-250-million-tomahawk-cruise-missile-deal-with-australia

Brian Ross wrote on Dec 6^th, 2024 at 10:32pm:

Jovial Monk wrote on Dec 6th, 2024 at 8:39pm: Maybe give up on nuke subs? That door is well and truly closed and bolted. The French subs are perhaps a better bet than the American or UK ones but they will still need to be nuclear.

OIC. I thought tho that diesel-electric subs were quieter than nuclear ones? Or is range a problem or has everything sub changed to nuclear? I am not really well, or at all really, read up on subs incl our nuke subs deal.

Jovial Monk wrote on Dec 8^th, 2024 at 7:49am:

Brian Ross wrote on Dec 6th, 2024 at 10:32pm: Jovial Monk wrote on Dec 6th, 2024 at 8:39pm: Maybe give up on nuke subs? That door is well and truly closed and bolted. The French subs are perhaps a better bet than the American or UK ones but they will still need to be nuclear. OIC. I thought tho that diesel-electric subs were quieter than nuclear ones? Or is range a problem or has everything sub changed to nuclear? I am not really well, or at all really, read up on subs incl our nuke subs deal.

Range is the main problem.  No one builds conventional subs with long enough range.  The COLLINS class were unique and unusual.  The only reason why the Swedes got the contract was because they bent over backwards for us to make their subs suitable for what we basically wanted.  The Germans failed to make the cut off date for the contract and had too short a range.  The Yanks are imposing all sorts of conditions on us.  The British less so.

.@BAES_Maritime, the 🇦🇺Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) and ASC Pty Ltd have signed an agreement to support the future manufacture of SSN-AUKUS 8-)

Commonwealth, Industry partners reach SSN-AUKUS agreement 8-)

Understanding how AUKUS could make Perth's southern suburbs an economic engine room 8-)

Brian Ross wrote on Dec 19^th, 2024 at 9:35am:

Understanding how AUKUS could make Perth's southern suburbs an economic engine room 8-)

I visited HMAS Stirling last April for the first time since about 1996. The changes in that time were incredible, as was the development in the surrounding Rockingham area. Henderson will have alarge part to play in the future.  (Mind you, HMAS Stirling was planed from the outset as a support base for nuclear submarines) 

Australia and UK forge landmark agreement to deliver SSN AUKUS Nuclear Submarines. :o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2kt84uGaDA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fYPFfKrxYM

AUKUS is an intergenerational disaster. It will cause long term detriment to Australia’s security >:(

Brian Ross wrote on Jan 5^th, 2025 at 3:10pm:

AUKUS is an intergenerational disaster. It will cause long term detriment to Australia’s security >:(

Ms. Tranter has certainly earned her 50c today. ::)

AUKUS pact keeping Chinese leader Xi Jinping up at night, Republican claims ::)

For America, AUKUS is the vehicle to ‘fortify’ Australia against China 8-)

Brian Ross wrote on Jan 15^th, 2025 at 3:48pm:

For America, AUKUS is the vehicle to ‘fortify’ Australia against China 8-)

I can't see Trump, for all his erratic decision making, doing anything to stop AUKUS. This is a long term alliance and was worked out by  pragmatic people who will have factored in changes of government in all three countries.   

Trump administration will back AUKUS submarines deal, says Rubio :o

ADT and Penten progress in AUKUS EW challenge 8-)

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 7^th, 2025 at 9:36pm:

ADT and Penten progress in AUKUS EW challenge 8-)

Middle son works for Penten, software, electronic warfare team. Been working for them pretty much since they started.

https://www.penten.com/applied-ai/trapradio/

https://amiosec.com/aukus-ew-innovation-challenge-win/

Setanta wrote on Feb 7^th, 2025 at 10:34pm:

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 7th, 2025 at 9:36pm: ADT and Penten progress in AUKUS EW challenge 8-) Middle son works for Penten, software, electronic warfare team. Been working for them pretty much since they started. https://www.penten.com/applied-ai/trapradio/ https://amiosec.com/aukus-ew-innovation-challenge-win/

Good on him, Setanta.

Donald Trump is 'supportive' of AUKUS, his defence secretary says, as Australia makes $798m payment 8-)

Why the AUKUS deal is still a controversial and perplexing issue for most Australians :o

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 12^th, 2025 at 10:56am:

Why the AUKUS deal is still a controversial and perplexing issue for most Australians :o

Most Australians have very little grasp of military matters and are understandably confused, especially when ideological opponents like Turnbull and Keating continue to peddle their misinformation.  There are certainly concerns about some of the detail but overall AUKUS is the best way forward for Australia military security. 

Australian businesses benefitting from AUKUS reforms 8-)

US Prioritizes Delivery of Virginia-class Nuclear Submarines to Australia Under AUKUS Pact. :o

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 13^th, 2025 at 12:18pm:

US Prioritizes Delivery of Virginia-class Nuclear Submarines to Australia Under AUKUS Pact. :o

Indeed, the people who first put it together ensured that AUKUS has a life of its own independent of any political changes in the three participating countries.

Congressional analysis lays bare AUKUS challenges as Australia looks to arm future submarines with hypersonics :o

Trumped: $9B to US and UK shipyards … but why not make Australia make again ::)

Trump pick for Pentagon says selling submarines to Australia would be ‘crazy’ if Taiwan tensions flare :o

During a press conference at the Oval Office on Thursday, the US president was asked whether he intended to discuss the AUKUS alliance in his meeting with visiting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

"What does that mean?" Mr Trump responded, seemingly puzzled by the reference.

"AUKUS — the Australia-US defence alliance," the reporter explained.

::)

Brian Ross wrote on Mar 9^th, 2025 at 3:46pm:

Trump pick for Pentagon says selling submarines to Australia would be ‘crazy’ if Taiwan tensions flare :o

From your link


Quote:

Under an alternative proposed in the paper, the US would not sell any submarines to Australia; instead, it would sail its own submarines, under US command, out of Australian bases. “Up to eight additional Virginia-class SSNs would be built and, instead of three to five of them being sold to Australia, these additional boats would instead be retained in US navy service and operated out of Australia along with the five US and UK submarines that are already planned to be operated out of Australia.” The paper argued that Australia, rather than spending money to buy, build and sail its own nuclear-powered submarines, would instead invest that money in other military capabilities – long-range missiles, drones, or bombers

;)

Federal politics live: AUKUS submarine deal 'not a favour' to bargain with on tariffs, Anthony Albanese says ::)

Greens leader Adam Bandt says Australia should walk away from AUKUS in wake of Trump's tariffs ::) ::)

Visiting nuclear sub commander says US will 'follow through' on AUKUS ::)

It’s with trepidation I agree now.

The money wasted on the failed French deal should be put under greater scrutiny.

Daves2017 wrote on Mar 18^th, 2025 at 9:40pm:

It’s with trepidation I agree now. The money wasted on the failed French deal should be put under greater scrutiny.

Scumo won't like that.  Nor more than likely will Turnball.  Tsk, tsk, tsk...  ::) ::)

Quote:

Bob Carr says Aukus a ‘colossal surrender of sovereignty’ if submarines do not arrive under Australian control Former foreign minister says it is ‘inevitable’ US won’t supply nuclear-powered submarines under Aukus Bob Carr says Aukus a ‘colossal surrender of sovereignty’ if submarines do not arrive under Australian control Former foreign minister says it is ‘inevitable’ US won’t supply nuclear-powered submarines under Aukus Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Ben Doherty Thu 20 Mar 2025 01.00 AEDT Share Australia faces a “colossal surrender of sovereignty” if promised US nuclear-powered submarines do not arrive under Australian control, former foreign affairs minister Bob Carr has said, arguing the US is “utterly not a reliable ally” to Australia. “It’s inevitable we’re not getting them,” Carr told the Guardian, ahead of the release of a report from Australians for War Powers Reform that argues the multibillion-dollar Aukus deal had been imposed upon Australia without sufficient public or parliamentary scrutiny. “The evidence is mounting that we’re not going to get Virginia-class subs from the United States,” Carr said, “for the simple reason they’re not building enough for their own needs and will not, in the early 2030s, be peeling off subs from their own navy to sell to us.” Under “pillar one” of the planned Aukus arrangement, it is proposed the US would sell Australia between three and five of its Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines in the early 2030s before the Aukus-class submarines were built, first in the UK, then in Australia.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/19/bob-carr-aukus-submarine-deal-us-australia-relationship

Time to cancel the deal!

Former foreign minister says it is ‘inevitable’ US won’t supply nuclear-powered submarines under Aukus.

Of course it’s inevitable, they are not nuclear powered, they are powered by steam engines just as all other steam ships are.

UK's AUKUS inquiry is unlikely to suggest the government pull out, expert says 8-)

Brian Ross wrote on Apr 4^th, 2025 at 9:29pm:

UK's AUKUS inquiry is unlikely to suggest the government pull out, expert says 8-)

Look at post 121

Belgarion wrote on Feb 13^th, 2025 at 7:55pm:

Brian Ross wrote on Feb 13th, 2025 at 12:18pm: US Prioritizes Delivery of Virginia-class Nuclear Submarines to Australia Under AUKUS Pact. :o Indeed, the people who first put it together ensured that AUKUS has a life of its own independent of any political changes in the three participating countries.

And if all three changes?

AUKUS on track? No, Australia needs Plan B now :o

Brian Ross wrote on Apr 10^th, 2025 at 8:06pm:

AUKUS on track? No, Australia needs Plan B now :o

Another great article by Peter Briggs.  It is a real travesty that he . has apparently fallen out with the Submarine “Think Tank” in Defence,  as his views quite often don’t fit with the required narrative.  He was an excellent CO in my past life and earned a reputation as a fiercely competitive Skipper and not afraid to anger our alliance members by taking photos of the propellors and underwater fittings and fixtures on their state of the art maritime capability.

They should listen carefully to what he has to say.

Brian Ross wrote on Apr 10^th, 2025 at 8:06pm:

AUKUS on track? No, Australia needs Plan B now :o

We certainly need a new submarine class now, not in 10 or 20 years time. Apart from filling the capability gap, it will get the shipyards back in the construction groove and provide platforms to increase the number of trained submariners. All this is required before we acquire SSNs.

Australia’s $368B Submarine Deal in Crisis — Can Musk Fix America’s Broken Shipyards? >:(

Australia’s AUKUS subs deal could get pricier. But will it even survive the Trump era? ::)

Belgarion wrote on Apr 11^th, 2025 at 10:02am:

Brian Ross wrote on Apr 10th, 2025 at 8:06pm: AUKUS on track? No, Australia needs Plan B now :o We certainly need a new submarine class now, not in 10 or 20 years time. Apart from filling the capability gap, it will get the shipyards back in the construction groove and provide platforms to increase the number of trained submariners. All this is required before we acquire SSNs.

Hopefully not steam powered.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LtXSr0QsME

Abandoning AUKUS: a better way to defend Australia ::)

Scott Morrison warns against 'overinterpreting' AUKUS review ::)

Richard Marles downplays Trump administration's review of AUKUS ::)

The Trump administration's AUKUS review set off a political storm, but it doesn't mean the deal is dead ::)

Brian Ross wrote on Jun 12^th, 2025 at 4:44pm:

The Trump administration's AUKUS review set off a political storm, but it doesn't mean the deal is dead ::)

More anti AUKUS gloom and doom. While the media and politicians spout rubbish, things are moving quietly along in the background with the minimum of fuss and bother.

Anthony Albanese finds himself all in on $368b AUKUS gamble with Donald Trump ::)

Osborne shipyard traders face nervous wait in new AUKUS review ::)

Malcolm Turnbull wants Australia to invest in alternative defence capabilities as US reviews AUKUS agreement ::)

Albanese to sharpen AUKUS pitch in Trump meeting on G7 sidelines :o

Brian Ross wrote on Jun 16^th, 2025 at 12:55pm:

Albanese to sharpen AUKUS pitch in Trump meeting on G7 sidelines :o

Going to put the pressure up?

I thought that the steam pressure was adequate.

US congressmen urge Trump administration to continue 'critical' AUKUS submarine deal to secure Indo-Pacific [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Work begins on the UK’s future nuclear-powered attack submarines - which includes the AUKUS SSN.

'Enormous value': UK's top AUKUS envoy insists the pact delivers for the US 8-)

US review of AUKUS incomplete as cost of defence boost revealed ::)

VESSEL REVIEW | Ghost Shark – Royal Australian Navy’s newest multi-mission autonomous vehicle ::)