US, UK And Australia Announce Nuclear Submarine Plan

 

Reuters: Eyeing China, Biden and allies unveil nuclear-powered submarine plan for Australia 

* First phase to see Australia buying US subs in early 2030s 

* Australia to receive new SSN-AUKUS class of subs in 2040s 

* Project to cost Australia $245 billion by 2055: defense official 

* Biden expects to speak to Chinese leader soon 

The United States, Australia and Britain on Monday unveiled details of a plan to provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines from the early 2030s to counter China's ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. 

Addressing a ceremony at the U.S. naval base in San Diego, accompanied by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, U.S. President Joe Biden called the agreement under the 2021 AUKUS partnership part of a shared commitment to a free-and-open Indo-Pacific region with two of America's "most stalwart and capable allies." 

Sunak called it "a powerful partnership," adding: "For the first time ever it will mean three fleets of submarines working together across the Atlantic and Pacific keeping our oceans free ... for decades to come."  

Read more .... 

US, UK And Australia Announce Nuclear Submarine Plan  

Biden announces nuclear-powered submarines for Australia -- AP  

UK, US and Australia reveal details of nuclear submarine deal -- BBC  

China looms large as Biden makes submarine moves with UK, Australia -- CNN  

U.S. to sell nuke-powered subs to Australia in unprecedented deal -- Politico 

US, UK and Australia unveil nuclear submarine plan -- DW  

Australia To Field Virginia & SSN-AUKUS Submarines -- Naval News  

AUKUS Plan: Aussie Sailors to Serve on American Subs, RAN to Buy U.S. Virginia Attack Boats -- USNI News  

Aukus nuclear submarine deal loophole prompts proliferation fears -- The Guardian

A UK Nuclear Submarine Used Superglue To Fix Some Bolts On Its Nuclear Reactor Chamber

The superglue repairs were discovered on HMS Vanguard after a bolt fell off during checks, The Sun reported (Picture: MOD) 

Business Insider: A UK nuclear submarine had its broken bolts fixed with superglue, report says 

* The British Navy launched a probe after finding a "defect" in a nuclear submarine, The Sun reported. 

* Broken bolts on HMS Vanguard's reactor chamber were glued on instead of replaced, the report said.

The British Navy ordered an urgent investigation this week after finding that the broken bolts in a nuclear submarine were fixed with superglue, The Sun newspaper reported.

Inspectors said they found a "defect" on the HMS Vanguard during a recent maintenance check at Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth, England, according to The Sun. 

At least seven broken bolts on the submarine's reactor chamber were glued on instead of replaced, the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) told the newspaper. 

hey originally broke due to over-tightening, The Sun reported.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Using superglue to fix some bolts on a nuclear submarine's reactor chamber. This is a really bad idea. You replace the bolts. A

 UK Nuclear Submarine Used Superglue To Fix Some Bolts On Its Nuclear Reactor Chamber  

SUB STANDARD Nuclear security alert after botched attempt to fix Trident submarine with super glue -- The SUN  

UK's own Chernobyl averted: Navy's nuclear-powered super submarine 'Trident' fixed with super glue -- First Post  

Reports glue used to fix broken bolt heads on HMS Vanguard nuclear submarine -- Forces.net  

UK nuclear sub reactor repaired with super glue – media -- RT

US Senators Urge President Biden Not To Sell Nuclear-Powered Submarines To Australia Since The US Navy Needs Them

The US aims to build its own fleet of at least 60 nuclear-powered submarines but is struggling to meet its own needs. Photograph: Reuters 

The Guardian: US senators urge Joe Biden not to sell ‘scarce’ nuclear submarines to Australia 

Democrat and Republican lawmakers reportedly warned president that Aukus security pact could stress US submarine industrial base ‘to breaking point’ 

Two top US senators have urged president Joe Biden not to sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, warning it would diminish US national security given the vessels are “scarce”. 

The intervention confirms the US is under pressure not to sell its submarines before Australia is able to build its own as part of the Aukus alliance – meaning it could be decades before Australia gains nuclear submarines. 

A spokesperson for the Australian defence minister, Richard Marles, played down the leak, saying “the optimal pathway for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines is taking shape, and an announcement remains on track to be made in the first part of this year.”  

Read more .... 

US Senators Urge President Biden Not To Sell Nuclear-Powered Submarines To Australia Since The US Navy Needs Them  

EXCLUSIVE: Reed, Inhofe warn Biden AUKUS risks becoming ‘zero sum game’ for US Navy -- Breaking Defense  

US President Joe Biden warned AUKUS nuclear submarine deal could come at cost to American fleet -- ABC News Australia  

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 'very confident' AUKUS deal will benefit all three countries, despite concerns raised in US -- ABC News Australia  

Government confident in getting submarines despite deep US opposition -- 9 News  

US Nuclear Submarines For Australia Hits Rough Waters; Canberra Confident of AUKUS Deal Despite Leaked Letters -- EurAsian Times

UK Trident Submarines Are Now Being Deployed At Sea For Record Breaking Periods Of Five Months Each

Vanguard Class submarine HMS Vengeance. Royal Navy 

The Guardian: Safety fears as UK Trident submarines are put to sea for longest-ever patrols 

Report says submarines were deployed for five months as former commander warns of risk to sailors 

Britain’s Trident nuclear armed submarines have recently been deployed at sea for record breaking periods of five months each, leading one former navy commander to warn that the longer patrols could affect operational safety. 

Investigative journalism site the Ferret reported on Tuesday that two Trident-bearing Vanguard class submarines each went out on patrol for 157 days during this year, based on monitoring data from campaign group Nukewatch. 

Rob Forsyth, who helped command Polaris nuclear submarines in the 1970s, said that “with patrols now lasting 150 days or more” the most significant challenge was crew discipline, in a blogpost published on Tuesday.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: These concerns over safety are justified. There was a fire onboard one of these Trident submarines only a few weeks ago .... British Nuclear Submarine Catches Fire, Aborts Top ‘Secret Mission’ (Marine Insight)

Russian Navy Takes Delivery Of It's 'Doomsday' Submarine

The Belgorod nuclear-powered submarine, pictured in 2019.  

CNN: Russian Navy's massive submarine could set the stage for 'a new Cold War' in the oceans 

Seoul, South Korea (CNN)The Russian Navy has taken delivery of what is the world's longest known submarine, one its maker touts as a research vessel -- but what others say is a platform for espionage and possibly nuclear weapons. 

The Belgorod was turned over to the Russian Navy earlier this month in the port of Severodvinsk, according to the country's largest shipbuilder, Sevmash Shipyard. 

Experts say its design is a modified version of Russia's Oscar II class guided-missile submarines, made longer with the aim to eventually accommodate the world's first nuclear-armed stealth torpedoes and equipment for intelligence gathering.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: The World’s Largest Submarine Is Russian—and Has Nuclear Torpedoes (National Interest)  

Update #2: Russian Navy takes delivery of the 'doomsday' submarine, and it's the world's largest (Interesting Engineering)  

WNU Editor: Here is a comparison of this Russian submarine to U.S. subs .... How Russia's New Mega-Sub Compares to U.S. Amid Fears of Naval Cold War (Newsweek)

Russia’s Last Typhoon-Class And World's Largest Nuclear Submarine Could Be Completely Retired

 

Warzone/The Drive: Claims Swirl Around The Fate Of Russia’s Last Huge Typhoon Class Submarine  

The story of Russia’s iconic Typhoon class submarines looks to be getting closer to its conclusion.  

Russian state media reports have offered conflicting details today about the status of the last Typhoon class ballistic missile submarine in active service, the Dmitry Donskoy. Though the fate of this submarine, the largest by displacement of any type in existence, is unclear, by all indications it is moving ever-closer to its retirement. 

RIA Novosti, citing anonymous sources, was the first to report that Dmitry Donskoy, also known by its hull number TK-208, had been formally decommissioned and was headed for the scrap yard. Anonymous sources from within Russia's state-run shipbuilding industry and the country's security services subsequently told TASS that this news was incorrect and that any final decision about the submarine's future would not come until December at the earliest.  

Read more .... 

Russia’s Last Typhoon-Class And World's Largest Nuclear Submarine Could Be Completely Retired  

Russia Scraps World's Largest Nuclear Submarine: Report -- Newsweek 

Russia Scrapping 'Dmitry Donskoy,' The Largest Nuclear Submarine In The World: Report -- IBTimes  

Largest Submarine Ever: Russia’s Typhoon-Class Could Be Completely Retired -- 19FortyFive  

Russia’s Typhoon-Class: The Largest Submarine Ever Will Soon Be Retired (Maybe) -- 19FortyFive

Retired Russian Admiral Again Alleges NATO Submarine Responsible for 2000 Kursk Explosion

The Kursk. BC News  

Newsweek: Russian Admiral Again Alleges NATO Submarine Responsible for 2000 Kursk Explosion 

A retired Russian admiral alleged that the 2000 Kursk submarine explosion was the result of a collision with a NATO submarine, going against the official ruling that the explosion was caused by a faulty torpedo. 

The Kursk sank on August 12, 2000 after two explosions. Most of the 118 crewmembers were killed instantly, but 23 managed to escape to a rear compartment to wait for help. 

However, the Russian navy waited hours before launching the search, refusing to accept Western help. 

It took a week for them to accept outside help, at which point it was too late to save anyone.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Russian admiral: Kursk disaster caused by NATO sub (AP) 

Update #2: Russian Admiral Says Kursk Sank Following Collision With NATO Sub (Sputnik)  

WNU Editor: The official Russian report on the Kursk disaster is that a faulty torpedo exploded .... Investigation made final conclusions on Kursk submarine tragedy — Kremlin (TASS).

US Navy Orders Safety Pause For Entire Submarine Force

Seawolf-class attack submarine USS Connecticut in the Pacific Ocean with a US Navy HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopter and aircraft carrier USS George Washington and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter destroyer JS Hyuga, November 17, 2009. US Navy/MCS1 John M. Hageman  

Business Insider: US Navy orders safety pause for entire submarine force after attack sub ran into underwater mountain in South China Sea 

* The US Navy has ordered a safety stand-down for the submarine force following an incident last month. 

* Last month, attack sub USS Connecticut ran into an uncharted seamount. 

* An investigation into the incident suggested the accident was preventable. 

The US Navy ordered a safety stand-down for the entire submarine force on Wednesday in response to the results of an investigation into an incident last month in the South China Sea. 

On October 2, the powerful Seawolf-class nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Connecticut collided with an object, the Navy said in a statement five days after the incident as the damaged $3 billion submarine limped into port in Guam.

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: US Navy is describing this training as a stand-down and that the submarine force will continue to operate and deploy.

In A Decades Long Fraud Metallurgist Admits Faking Strength-Test Results For Steel In US Navy Submarines

Seawolf-class attack submarine USS Connecticut in the Pacific Ocean, 2009. US Navy/MCS1 John M. Hageman 

Business Insider: Employee of US military contractor admits faking strength-test results for steel in Navy submarines, a decades-long fraud 

* A worker faked hundreds of steel-strength tests at a foundry that supplies parts to Navy submarines. 

* Elaine Marie Thomas pleaded guilty to fraud and faces up to 10 years in jail. 

* The steel her firm produced failed strength tests but she faked results so they were used in subs.

A metallurgist has pleaded guilty to decades of fraud after she admitted faking the results of strength tests of steel used to make US Navy submarines. 

Elaine Marie Thomas, the former director of metallurgy at Bradken Inc., pleaded guilty in a recent court hearing, per an announcement from the Department of Justice.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Metallurgist admits faking steel test results for US Navy subs (BBC)  

Update #2: Metallurgist admits faking steel-test results for Navy subs (13 News Now)  

WNU Editor: OMG! She falsified reports for over 3 decades. Even though she is 67 years old, 10 years in jail is not enough.

Russia Continues To Build-Up Its Ballistic-Missile Submarine Fleet

Borei-A-class nuclear-powered ballistic-missile sub Knyaz Vladimir at the Russian Northern Fleet's Gadzhiyevo naval base, July 3, 2020. Lev Fedoseyev\TASS  

Business Insider: Russia is building 2 more ballistic-missile subs, the latest in a long line of 'boomers' that worry its rivals 

* In August, Russia officially marked the start of construction on two new Borei-A-class submarines. 

* The class is Russia's newest, most advanced class of nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarine. 

* The five Borei-A-class boats now being built show that Russia's SSBN modernization is moving full speed ahead. 

In August, Russia officially marked the beginning of construction on two additional Borei-A-class submarines, with President Vladimir Putin attending their keel-laying ceremony via video. 

The boats, Knyaz Potemkin and Dmitry Donskoy, bring the total number of Borei-class nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines, designated SSBNs, under construction to five. 

The ceremony, which also marked the construction of two diesel-electric submarines and two corvettes, was held some four months after Russia's navy said it would begin decommissioning the Ekaterinburg, one of its seven Delta IV-class SSBNs.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This class of submarines have just completed a missile test .... Russian Project 955A Knyaz Oleg submarine successfully fires Bulava missile (Navy Recognition). 

More details on this ballistic missile sub class is here .... The U.S. Navy Should Fear Russia's New Borei-class Submarines (National Interest).

Chinese State Media Has Doubts On U.S. Navy Explanation For USS Connecticut Collision

(FILE PHOTO) © REUTERS/Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Kimber/U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters  

Business Insider: China's state media accuses the US of lying about what happened to submarine it says hit an underwater mound in the South China Sea  

* A US submarine hit an underwater object in October, for reasons that were initially a mystery. 

* The Navy concluded Monday the USS Connecticut hit an uncharted hill beneath the surface. 

* Chinese state media are not satisfied, and without evidence floated the idea of a nuclear spillage. 

Chinese state media are casting doubt on the US account of what happened to a nuclear submarine that collided with an object last month. 

US Navy investigators concluded Monday that the nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Connecticut hit an uncharted underwater hill while patrolling in international waters in the South China Sea on October 2. 

"The investigation determined USS Connecticut grounded on an uncharted seamount while operating in international waters in the Indo-Pacific region," Cdr. Haley Sims, a 7th Fleet spokesperson, told Insider on Monday.  

Read more ... 

WNU Editor: My gut is telling me that the reason why Beijing is focused on this collision is that they did not know the sub was there, were surprised by it, and they are now trying their best to gleam as much news and intel that they can.

More News On Chinese State Media Having Doubts On The U.S. Navy Explanation For USS Connecticut Collision  

US investigation on submarine collision ‘untransparent’ -- Global Times  

China deplores lack of transparency in U.S. nuclear sub accident probe -- CGTN  

China says ‘irresponsible’ US hasn’t clearly explained submarine incident -- SCMP 

China Accuses US of 'Lack of Transparency' Over Sub Accident -- AP  

China: US lacking 'transparency and responsibility' on submarine accident -- The Hill  

Beijing slams lack of answers after US claims nuclear submarine hit ‘uncharted seamount’ in Indo-Pacific -- RT

US Navy Finally Explains What The USS Connecticut Nuclear-Powered Submarine Rammed Into Last Month

The 7th Fleet, which operates in the western Pacific, said an investigation had concluded that the Connecticut (pictured in Puget Sound, Washington, in 2016) smashed into a geological formation and not another vessel on October 2.  

Daily Mail: Nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Connecticut struck 'uncharted sea mount' in South China Sea last month injuring 11 of its crew, US Navy investigation finds 

* On the day of the accident there had been soaring tensions with China 

* But the Navy has determined that there was no foul play in the incident 

* USS Connecticut struck a sea mount, a mountain which rises from the sea bed 

* Navy remains on high alert in the South China Sea amid threats from Beijing

A US nuclear submarine struck an 'uncharted sea mount' in the South China Sea, injuring 11 of its crew last month, a Navy investigation has revealed. 

On the day the USS Connecticut struck the underwater mountain there were soaring tensions with China after 39 warplanes breached Taiwanese airspace. 

A record 56 aircraft flew into the zone two days later in a 24-hour period.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: It looks like the damage to the USS Connecticut from this collision was severe .... Satellite Images Show USS Connecticut Hit At Bottom Of Hull, Analyst Says Sub Was Left 'Deaf And Blind' (IBTimes). 

More News On US Navy Investigation Concludes USS Connecticut Grounded on Uncharted Seamount in South China Sea  

Investigation Concludes USS Connecticut Grounded on Uncharted Seamount in South China Sea -- USNI News

Officials: Damaged US Navy Sub Struck Underwater Mountain -- AP  

Damaged U.S. nuclear submarine hit underwater mountain in South China Sea, Navy says -- CBS/AFP

Navy investigation finds that US nuclear-powered submarine hit uncharted underwater mountain -- CNN  

A U.S. submarine struck an underwater mountain last month, the Navy says -- NPR  

The US Navy has figured out what a nuclear-powered attack submarine ran into in the South China Sea: report -- Business Insider  

US nuclear sub struck undersea MOUNTAIN in South China Sea incident last month, investigation reportedly finds -- RT

First Look At The USS Connecticut After Its Underwater Collision

PHOTO © 2021 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION  

Warzone/The Drive: This Is Our First Look At The USS Connecticut After Its Underwater Collision  

The Navy remains tight-lipped as to what the nuclear submarine hit in the South China Sea and the damage that was done. 

One of the Navy's prized Seawolf class nuclear fast-attack submarines, the USS Connecticut (SSN-22), slammed into a "submerged object" on Oct. 2, 2021. After it was clear that the submarine was stable and its reactor was safe to operate, it limped from the South China Sea, where the collision reportedly occurred, back to the sprawling U.S. naval facility in Guam, where the damage would be assessed and the accident investigated. The Navy has remained very tight-lipped about what it thinks Connecticut collided with, or if it has any idea what it was at all. You can read about some of the possibilities here. As of today, no pictures of the stricken submarine have surfaced, which is somewhat remarkable, although there have been plenty of misrepresented images floating around social media that claim to show the damage. Now, The War Zone has obtained satellite imagery that shows Connecticut tied up to the pier in Guam — the first public image of the submarine since the incident.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Cannot tell much from the above picture. At least the sub is not in a dry dock.  

Update: China is demanding an explanation/answers .... USS Connecticut collision info in S.China Sea must be disclosed (Global Times editorial).

Why Do Nuclear Submarines Still Crash Into Things Underwater

USS Connecticut seen underway during better times.  

Warzone/The Drive: Why Multi-Billion Dollar Nuclear Submarines Still Run Into Things Underwater 

A veteran submariner explains the challenges crews face navigating complex undersea environments that they can't even see. On October 7, 2021, we learned that one of the U.S. Navy's prized Seawolf class nuclear fast attack submarines—one of just three ever built—had suffered a serious underwater collision. The incident supposedly occurred while the USS Connecticut (SSN-22) was operating in or very near the tumultuous South China Sea. The damaged submarine subsequently limped its way to Guam so that the damage can be assessed. Thankfully, nobody on board died and the vessel's nuclear reactor remained in a safe condition. 

Exactly what Connecticut hit remains a mystery, but many have expressed their utter puzzlement to us as to how a multi-billion dollar nuclear submarine that is laden with some of the most capable sensors on the planet — literally one of the most advanced vehicles mankind has ever built — can just run into something below the waves.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: This is probably why the Chinese are upset about this .... China Says A U.S. Spy Ship Is Conducting Operations In The South China Sea To Collect Data To Support Submarine Warfare Against China.

U.S. Attack Submarine USS Connecticut (SSN-22) Suffers Serious Underwater Collision In The Pacific

The Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN 22) departs Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for sea trials following a maintenance availability on December 13, 2016. (U.S. Navy photo by Thiep Van Nguyen II/released)  

USNI News: UPDATED: Attack Submarine USS Connecticut Suffers Underwater Collision in Pacific 

A U.S. nuclear attack submarine has been damaged in international waters in the Western Pacific, USNI News has learned. 

The Seawolf-class nuclear attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN-22) suffered an underwater collision while operating in international waters on Oct. 2 and is returning to port in U.S. 7th Fleet, a U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesman confirmed to USNI News on Thursday. 

“The Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine USS Connecticut (SSN-22) struck an object while submerged on the afternoon of Oct. 2, while operating in international waters in the Indo-Pacific region. The safety of the crew remains the Navy’s top priority. There are no life-threatening injuries,” Capt. Bill Clinton told USNI News.  

Read more ....  

Update: Seawolf-Class Attack Sub Damaged in Collision in the Pacific (Maritime Executive)  

WNU Editor: No details have been released on what the sub struck. What is known is that 11 sailors were hurt in the incident with moderate to minor injuries. 

Hat tip to Dave for the above story.

Why Is The U.S. Not Providing Nuclear Submarines To South Korea And Japan?

USS Virginia returns to the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard following the successful completion of its first voyage in open seas called "alpha" sea trials, July 30, 2004. US Navy 

A.B. Abrams, The Diplomat: Why Provide Nuclear Submarines to Australia, But Not South Korea or Japan? 

Australia’s strategic location makes its deployment of SSNs a much greater asset to broader Western interests than if other U.S. allies did the same. 

The announcement on September 15 that the United States and United Kingdom would support a Royal Australian Navy (RAN) program to acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines, the first of which will reportedly be launched by the end of 2039, represents one of the most significant developments of the year for East Asian security. 

Australia will become the seventh country to field such assets and the very first non-nuclear weapons state to do so, with U.S. reactors using weapons-grade uranium expected to power the new vessels.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: A good explanation in the above on why South Korea and Japan are not going to be deploying nuclear submarines anytime soon. 

On a side note. 

Here's how American, British, and French subs stack up .... France is furious after Australia scrapped a submarine deal to partner with the US and UK. Here's how American, British, and French subs stack up (Insider).

France Says President Biden 'Stabbed Them In The Back' With Australian Submarine Deal

 

Daily Mail: Biden finds himself at center of another international storm: France says it has been 'stabbed in the back' by US-UK-Australia defense pact to take on China after losing out on $90bn nuclear sub contract 

* Unprecedented security partnership was announced by Biden, Boris Johnson Scott Morrison 

* The agreement will see US, UK and Australia share nuclear technology secrets in tech battle with the Chinese 

* The pact means Australian navy will be equipped with nuclear-powered vessels made by US and UK 

* France was due to make Australia's new subs - but claimed last night it had been 'stabbed in the back' 

* New Zealand also isolated with Jacinda Ardern declaring the submarines will be banned from their waters 

Joe Biden has found himself at the epicenter of another international outcry after the President announced a new pact between the US, UK and Australia to build a fleet of nuclear submarines to combat China. 

The new alliance - called AUKUS - will see the US and UK cooperate to build Australia's first ever nuclear submarine fleet of at least eight vessels.

It has been condemned by China as an example of 'Cold War mentality' and left France fuming after the new deal saw a pre-existing $90billion contract for France to build Australia's subs torn up.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: France is not the only nation not happy with this submarine deal .... China fumes over U.S. nuclear sub pact with Britain, Australia (Reuters).  

Update: France now wants to be compensated .... France mulling compensation claim as Australia pulls out of submarine contract worth billions, favoring UK & US partners (RT). 

More News On France's Reaction to The U.S./U.K./Australia Nuclear Submarine Deal  

‘Stab in the back’: French fury as Australia scraps submarine deal -- The Guardian  

France says Biden acted like Trump to sink Australia defence deal -- Reuters  

Australia riles France with sudden US-UK nuclear submarine pact -- France 24  

France hits back as Australia dumps submarine deal -- DW  

France issues angry response to nuclear submarine deal between US, UK, Australia -- FOX News  

Nuclear submarine deal will reshape Indo-Pacific relations -- AP  

France says Biden acted like Trump as UK & US steal huge Aussie submarine deal in 'brutal, unilateral and unpredictable decision' -- RT

Australia Scraps $90 Billion Program To Build 12 French-Designed Submarines. Will Build U.S.-U.K. Nuclear Configured Subs Instead

Australia will use American and British technology to configure its next submarine fleet in a bid to replace its existing Collins class subs.PHOTO: SUBMARINE GROUP 7/FACEBOOK  

ABC News Australia: Australia to get nuclear-powered submarines, will scrap $90b program to build French-designed subs 

Australia's next submarine fleet will be nuclear-powered under an audacious plan that will see a controversial $90 billion program to build up to 12 French-designed submarines scrapped. 

The ABC understands Australia will use American and British technology to configure its next submarine fleet in a bid to replace its existing Collins class subs with a boat more suitable to the deteriorating strategic environment. 

Australia, the United States and Britain are expected to jointly announce a new trilateral security partnership on Thursday, with a focus on aligning technology and regional challenges. 

Read more ....  

Update: Australia to get nuclear-powered submarines in pact with US, UK: Report (Straits Times)  

WNU Editor: This is a heads-up on what will be announced tomorrow .... Australia, US, And The UK To Announce A Landmark New Defence Pact.

Iranian State Media Says Egypt Permitted The Passage Of An Israeli Sub Through The Suez Canal Last Week

Illustrative: An Israeli military submarine sails past cargo ships in the Mediterranean Sea, Israel, on September 29, 2020. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)  

Times of Israel: Iranian state media claims Israeli submarine passed through Suez into Red Sea  

Regime sources quoted saying Israel has ‘failed to create a consensus against Iran’ following attack on Israeli-linked ship, but ‘continues to try to create tension’ in the region 

Amid increased naval tensions between Israel and Iran, Iranian state media claimed on Monday that an Israeli dolphin-class submarine had entered the Red Sea last Wednesday via the Suez Canal, accompanied by two battleships. 

Nour News said that sources in Iran’s Supreme Council of National Security had confirmed the submarine’s passage into the Red Sea, but believed the move was “mostly just for show.” 

The sources were quoted as saying that Israel had “failed to create a consensus against Iran” following the recent attack on an Israeli-linked ship off the coast of Oman but “continues to try to create tension” in the region. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Israel currently has 5 Dolphin class subs .... Israel Submarine Capabilities (NTI).

Chinese State Media Says Their Submarines Used U.K. Warships For Target Practice

A new type of conventional submarine of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy takes part in a naval parade staged to mark the 70th founding anniversary of the PLA Navy on the sea off Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, on April 23, 2019. Photo: Xinhua  

Newsweek: China Submarines Used U.K. Warships for Target Practice, State Media Claims 

China's nuclear-powered submarines may have been using the U.K.'s aircraft carrier group for target practice before intentionally revealing themselves to British warships, a Communist Party newspaper said on Monday. 

The report by the state-owned tabloid the Global Times cited unnamed experts in a direct response to a report out of London claiming the Chinese submarines had been detected "stalking" the Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group (CSG) during its deployment to Asia. 

The Daily Express reported on Monday that sonar operators onboard HMS Kent and HMS Richmond, two frigates that form part of HMS Queen Elizabeth's escort fleet, detected a pair of PLA Navy Type 093 submarines shadowing the carrier group from the South China Sea into the Western Pacific.  

Read more ....  

Update: Chinese nuclear attack subs 'stalking' Britain's new aircraft carrier across Pacific (Daily Express)  

WNU Editor: China's response to these reports has been vague. On the one hand denying these reports, on the other hand admitting it happen .... Media report claiming UK carrier group spots PLA submarines ‘not credible’ (Global Times).