Defending Democracy with Malcolm Turnbull Episode 3: Do we need a Plan B to AUKUS?
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Apr 2, 2025 Joining Malcolm Turnbull are Rear Admiral Peter D Briggs, a seasoned submarine operator with 40 years in the Royal Australian Navy, along with Jennifer Parker, a Principal Warfare Officer and HMAS Darwin's second-in-command for two decades, and Dennis Richardson, former Secretary of Defence and Australia’s Ambassador to the U.S. They tackle the viability of AUKUS, questioning its current strategy. The need for a practical submarine design and Australia’s military sovereignty takes center stage, emphasizing the importance of strategic autonomy in a rapidly changing global landscape.
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Submarine Importance
- Submarines' stealth and endurance enable unique access for intelligence gathering.
- Australia needs 12 submarines, six per coast, to ensure two are always deployable.
Virginia Class Shortcomings
- The US Navy faces a shortfall in its own submarine numbers, making it unlikely they can sell or spare Virginias to Australia.
- The Congressional Budget Office report highlights the detrimental impact of AUKUS on US submarine availability.
Flawed Plan
- SSN AUKUS is a flawed plan due to its size, cost, reliance on multiple supply chains, and insufficient numbers for effective operation.
- Australia cannot crew or maintain the proposed number of submarines.