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If the subs being nuclear was the problem I'm sure french would have arranged for that. I can't find a source for this but the submarines in question are essent
by Ajef 5y ago
If the subs being nuclear was the problem I'm sure french would have arranged for that. I can't find a source for this but the submarines in question are essentially refitted from being nuclear to diesel-electro for the export to other nations.
I think the political view in Australia has changed from "we don't have nuclear infrastructure" to "we can build up nuclear infrastructure while the US builds the subs"? This is just my assumption.
If I'm wrong on any of this please correct me.
- rich_sasha 5y agoIndeed, the subs are a "downgrade" from nuclear to diesel. I suspect the core of the issue is some kind of aux deal that comes with US-UK supplied nukes, possibly leading down the line to Australia handling nuclear weapons for one of those, or equivalent. E.g. maybe the nuclear bases will be made "compatible" with US or UK nuclear subs, which will then be stationed there, blah blah blah. Otherwise I don't understand the haste in ditching the French, and in bad style, since France definitely produces nuclear subs - surely no worse than their already-accepted diesels.
- shsbdncudx 5y agoFrance won’t export their nuclear subs. That, plus the French nuclear subs need to be refuelled, and it’s a big ask for Australia to build the infrastructure to do that. The US/UK subs never need refuelled in their service life.
- stefan_ 5y agoThey would have happily exported the nuclear subs, except the US intervened. What need do you think they have for diesel subs? They spent years retrofitting them. Do you now see the absurdity of the situation from the french PoV?