Had to use this hilarious picture!! The #AUKUS program doesnt instill much confidence in me personally. The program was supposed to bring together the #USNavy , #RoyalNavy and the #AustralianNavy to build a #Nuclear sub fleet. What about #IndianNavy? #εpsilon
The #UK in post #Brexit is notorious for armed forces cut that make little sense. There were rumors that they might cut the fleet size of #Astutesubmarine and give 2-3 to #Australia in #AUKUS. The current plan hinges a lot on #UK being not #UK .
The US is letting go of its 3 #Virginiaclass production slots to sell the boats to #Australia in 2030s. This will be followed by #SSNAUKUS to be built from mid 2030s to 2040s. This program is highly dependent on UK not being UK and funding the new SSN development.
My concern stems from the fact that the UK is funding massive programs
1. #Type26 frigates
2. #Type31 frigates
3. #Dreadnoughtclass SSBNs
4. #Challenger3 tanks
Given these challenges, will they be able to fund a new SSN for themselves (per White House release) and help Australia
Even if this works, #Australia has two #SSNs with little to no overlap in reactor design, maybe even weapons and small fleet sizes of 2-3 submarines each, very high potential for cost overruns. IMO, it made more sense to sell Astutes or Virginias made in Australia.
Where does the #IndianNavy fit in? Biggest opportunity is grab the to buy the Short Fin Barracudas Aussies abandoned and cozy up with the French. Why not #AUKUSIN you ask? India has its own nuclear submarine program which is mature. Is it as advanced as #Virginiaclass, I doubt.
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