{"id":42725,"date":"2018-10-16T06:02:14","date_gmt":"2018-10-15T19:02:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aspistrategist.ru\/?p=42725"},"modified":"2018-10-16T06:52:38","modified_gmt":"2018-10-15T19:52:38","slug":"should-nuclear-powered-submarines-be-part-of-australias-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aspistrategist.ru\/should-nuclear-powered-submarines-be-part-of-australias-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Should nuclear-powered submarines be part of Australia\u2019s future?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Australia\u2019s rapidly deteriorating strategic circumstances have caused me to review my earlier stance on the navy\u2019s future submarine requirements<\/a> and the case for nuclear propulsion<\/a>.<\/p>\n

As Hugh White wrote<\/a> in response to Paul Dibb and Richard Brabin-Smith\u2019s 2017 paper<\/a> on strategic risk in a new era:<\/p>\n

If we decide that Australia should be able independently to resist a direct attack from a major Asian power like China, then we need to start building the forces to do that right now, not wait for some further warning sign.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The time has come for early consideration of all aspects of a transition to nuclear propulsion<\/a> for Australia\u2019s submarines based on compelling strategic and submarine capability arguments.<\/p>\n

While acknowledging the strategic and operational advantages that a nuclear-powered submarine force would provide, it must be recognised that there would be some formidable challenges to overcome to add such a force to the RAN.<\/p>\n

Quite apart from the political sensitivity of such a decision, it would be a protracted process requiring a lead time of 15 to 20 years, driven largely by the technical, training and educational preparations and a very significant increase in qualified personnel required to operate and maintain the force.<\/p>\n

The current program to acquire 12 conventional future submarines (FSMs) is an essential starting point for a successful transition which will take significant time and a national focus to achieve. The RAN must first achieve the critical mass of submarine personnel and be able to sustain the manpower required for this challenging transition.<\/p>\n

Attempting a transition before the Australian submarine arm has achieved sufficient size in platforms and personnel risks a capability gap even if there are no delays during the transition.<\/p>\n

In the face of a deteriorating strategic outlook, the consequent need to transition to nuclear submarines (SSNs) expeditiously and the reality that growth of the submarine arm via FSM is essential to starting that transition, that program must be accelerated, with a national priority allocated for funds, personnel and a fast track for facilities.<\/p>\n

A force of modern SSNs offers significant sea denial and force projection capabilities, providing at least twice the number of more capable submarines deployed at long range compared with an equivalent number of conventional submarines, assuring the ability to sustain a high level of deterrence and operational capability. A fleet of 12 double-crewed SSNs would allow four submarines to be on task at long range and constitute a formidable deterrent force. Such a fleet would also facilitate a rolling construction program.<\/p>\n

A force of at least 10 nuclear submarines with 10 crews is the minimum required to maintain a critical mass of trained personnel and to generate the experience needed to man the senior supervisory and policy staff needed for a globally credible nuclear safety organisation.<\/p>\n

A force of at least 12 conventional future submarines, each with a crew of at least 60 and a total submarine arm of at least 2,100, is judged to be a conservative, safe and viable starting point for a transition to a force of 10 SSNs.<\/p>\n

The options for Australia to develop an SSN capability would be limited to building the boats offshore or to consolidating the vessels in Australia incorporating a reactor purchased offshore. Leasing SSNs is not a practical option.<\/p>\n

A supporting nuclear power industry is desirable as it would provide Australia with a broader regulatory, technical and educational base. However, provided the costs of not having that support are clearly identified, the absence of an Australian nuclear power industry should not preclude a transition to nuclear propulsion for Australia\u2019s submarines.<\/p>\n

The timing of any transition should be one the study\u2019s findings. Two timelines may serve to illustrate the long lead times required:<\/p>\n