Last week, the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom announced the signing of a security agreement already known as AUKUS. One of the effects of this decision was the Australian government’s breach of the contract to purchase French submarines, which caused an outright diplomatic scandal. However, military experts say turning to more advanced nuclear ships from the US and UK is a better option for Australia.
- The recently concluded trilateral military agreement between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom violated the contract for the purchase of French submarines by Australia.
- And instead of conventionally powered ships, Australia will receive nuclear boats from the United States
- Here is a comparison between British, American and French submarines
- More such information can be found on the home page of Onet.pl
The Australian government’s unexpected decision to break the contract with France to supply conventional-powered submarines and the decision to acquire nuclear submarines from the United States and the United Kingdom provoked a strong reaction from Paris.
Australia It intends to replace its fleet of Collins-class attack submarines. The original plan was to buy ten or so Shortfin Barracuda boats from France, powered by a diesel engine. However, Canberra concluded a military agreement with London and Washington, according to which, inter alia, was concluded to acquire submarines equipped with nuclear propulsion.
It is not yet known whether Australia will gain access to some military technologies from the United States and the United Kingdom, or just one of these countries, under the agreement.
Here is a comparison of the submarines of France, the United States, and the United Kingdom:
Virginia-class submarines
The US Navy has Virginia-class submarines armed with Tomahawk missiles, Mk-48 torpedoes and UGM-84 Harpoon maneuvering missiles.
The latest ship model, Block V, will be 137 meters long and nearly 10,000 kilometers long. NS. float. The new version of the boat will not only be longer than its predecessors. On-board weapons storage will also be increased, allowing 65 torpedo-sized weapons to be carried.
Virginia-class submarines have unlimited range, and a reactor core that uses enriched uranium does not require fuel replacement for more than thirty years of operation boat.
American submarines are among the quietest submarines in the world. In addition, it is equipped with high-quality sonar, which gives it an acoustic edge in the reality of an underwater battle.
One of seven Astute-class submarines in service with the Royal Navy.
First class submarines
Part of the British Royal Navy, the Astute-class submarine is a nuclear-powered submarine capable of carrying 38 torpedo-sized missiles, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and heavy Spearfish torpedoes.
The length of the ships of the Astute class is 96 meters, the displacement in the draft is more than 7000 meters. t, give Producer Boat, BAE Systems.
The British ships of the Astute class are slightly faster than the American boats of the Virginia class. Like the American units, the Astute also has an unlimited range. The ship’s nuclear propulsion was designed in such a way that, as in the Virginia class boats, the replacement of nuclear fuel was not necessary for the entire service life of the ship (25 years).
The submarine, created for the Royal Navy, was equipped with systems that support the operations of British special units.
As a result, the Astute submarines are similar in many respects to the boats of the American Virginia class.
The bridge of the French nuclear submarine Suffren.
Sovereign-class and Shortfin Barracuda-class assault ships
The French nuclear submarines Suffren (or Barracuda) were built by the French shipbuilder Naval Group. The armament of the units includes four torpedo tubes and 20 racks that can accommodate heavy torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles and sea mines.
Submarines, designed to operate in ocean waters, have a length of 99 meters and a displacement of 5.2 thousand meters. vol.
Although Sovereign nuclear submarines have an unlimited range, their nuclear reactors need to be replenished every ten years.
“In terms of performance, the Virginia-class units are the best,” Brian Clark, a former US Navy submarine officer and now a military expert, told Insider. – Immediately behind them I would have put the British acumen. He added that Barracuda will take third place on this list.
A contract signed between Australia and France for the purchase of submarines However, it does not apply to Suffren nuclear submarines, but to units with classic diesel-electric propulsion.
This type of submarine has a maximum submersible speed equal to half the maximum speed of the atomic units, less combat potential and a shorter range. These units also need to appear frequently. Broken ships are more likely to be discovered by the enemy, especially if they have a large fleet as in the case of chin. Diesel-electric vessels are suitable for coastal defense, but fall behind when operating far from their home port.
The Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Sheean submarine.
Therefore, the use of nuclear submarines is logical
According to Clark, the decision to replace Collins-class submarines with nuclear-powered boats instead of diesel-powered boats is a reasonable measure.
– In fact, a diesel submarine makes no sense because there is a great risk of locating it before it reaches its destination. The expert explains. – This discount will give a better chance of monitoring the actions SubmarineHe added that when the unit reaches its destination, the enemy will wait for it.
According to Thomas Shugart, a former US Navy submarine officer who is currently an assistant professor in the Center for Defense Studies’ New American Security Program, Australia made the right decision to purchase nuclear-powered ships, Because it is a better solution to Australia’s defense needs relating to the disputed Indo-Pacific region.
– I think that this decision is logical, especially if we look at the perspective of the aggravation of the military imbalance in the region – he added. – People close to the matter are not surprised that Australia has decided to abandon the units offered under the Shortfin Barracuda program (with diesel engine and electric – editorial note) – he added.
Clarke and Shugart also pointed out flaws in the agreement, such as the increased costs of the program (which were not the lowest from the start) and subsequent delays in the supply of weapons intended to increase the combat capability of the Australian Navy.
rallies. Adam Hughes
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