A Japanese Soryu-class submarine. Japan had hoped to win the Australian navy contract with this boat. (Courtesy of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force)
Adm James Stavridis, Nikkei Asian Review -- Asia's arms race dives underwater
The ocean depths of the Pacific are becoming crowded in the latest stage of Asia's arms race, as the region's military powers rapidly increase their submarine fleets and deploy the very latest technology.
Australia's decision to buy 12 highly advanced diesel-powered submarines from France's well-regarded defense contractor DCNS is the latest example. The 4,700-ton Shortfin Barracuda boats will cost nearly $40 billion, but will allow Canberra, a key U.S. ally, to double the size of its underwater fleet and add significant extra firepower.
The decision comes at an opportune moment; many of the most senior U.S. admirals in the Pacific Fleet are very concerned about the rapid improvement in Chinese subsurface capability and the United States Navy has taken steps in recent years to mitigate it.
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WNU Editor: What strikes me about the current arms race in Asia is that there are no signs that it may slow down.
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