September 27, 2022
Australian Defense Minister Marles has noted that there will be a gap in Australian submarine capabilities before the likely arrival of any British or American nuclear submarines for Australia to sail. This gap, he noted, will arise as Australia’s current Collins class submarines are decommissioned.
His comments raise a number of questions. What are the likely schedules and options for a UK or US-designed nuclear submarine to be built or assembled in Australia? What are the timetables for training and maintenance for nuclear submarines in Australia? What alternatives, if any, are there for Australia buying or leasing American or British nuclear submarines? What are the non nuclear options to backfill as the Collins class submarines age? Are life extensions an option?
NPEC and the Hudson Institute will co-host an event to answer these questions. This workshop will feature short presentations by Marcus Hellyer, Senior Analyst focusing on Defence economics and military capability at Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Craig Hooper, Chief Executive Officer at Themistocles Advisory Group, and Commander Jihoon Yoo of the Republic of Korea Navy and KNDU.