The American submarines also carry the Tomahawks, and can carry 65 missiles and torpedoes. The British submarines are equipped with 38 torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles, which can be used to attack buildings and ships from 1700 kilometres away. Each Virginia class sub cost around $US3.2 billion ($4.4 billion), the Congressional Research Service estimated. But because the nuclear vessels were more potent, fewer would be needed, defence officials said.Īn Astute class submarine cost about £1.4 billion ($2.6 billion) to build in Britain, according to the UK National Audit Office. “We have done a lot of work behind the scenes in Washington.”Īustralia had planned to build 12 French-designed submarines in Adelaide to replace the existing fleet of six diesel vessels. “This is something some of us have been arguing for over a decade,” said Dr Babbage, the chief executive of Strategic Forum, a defence consulting firm. ![]() They are likely to be equipped with torpedoes, mines and cruise missiles that can be used against ships and buildings. However, Ross Babbage says, an Australian version of an American Virginia class or British Astute class might not be completed within a decade, and the navy might lease a less powerful Los Angeles class submarine from the US in the meantime.īritain’s Astute class submarine on the surface while operating with the UK Carrier Strike Group.Įither way, Australia’s eight nuclear submarines will be designed to hunt down and sink China’s growing submarine fleet. The Royal Australian Navy is likely to build versions of the latest US or British submarines that have more potent weapons and sensors than their Chinese counterparts, says a former Defence Department official who has participated in talks with the US about sharing naval technology.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |