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...SSN-AUKUS....

That "research" reactor program has been in existence since the 1950s though, and has operated without incident throughout that timeframe. Going from "research" to naval reactors will certainly require a lot of effort, but going from civilian nuclear power production to naval reactors would...

The Soryu class saga was more about media speculation and hype though, not an actual program. I suspect the Aus DoD learned from the Attack class; hence the options for more Virginia class boats which no doubt will be exercised pretty quickly if the SSK-AUKUS program looks like imploding or...

One of the reported reasons for selection of the DCNS Shorten Barracuda was the relatively easy transition to nuclear propulsion later in the program. So something happened behind the scenes.

Odd timing, given the lifespan of a nuclear submarine. "Later" may well be a long, long time in the future. Perhaps we'll see a tri-nation program for a new class of boats to follow-on both the Virginias and Astutes.

Even the often mentioned open-architecture battle management system has already been flight tested on an RAAF aircraft. https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/key-enablers/7180-wedgetail-open-mission-systems-validated-in-operational-environment

I don't think the rationale for the E-7 was ever only that is would be "cheaper," but more a realisation that even by the late 1990s the E-3 was looking "old tech," not just in terms of radar technology but also in its ability to act as a data hub. Lower operating and support costs were...

They will be looking at total program costs, not only hardware/platform acquisition, so I suspect it won't only be new programs that get reassessed. Now that the Tigres and NH90s are on the way out, the next round might include accelerating the retirement of the F-18Fs to make way for more...

It might seem a little judgemental to say "only in Canada," but seriously, only in Canada......

They've never been deployed outside Aus, but the same can be said for the M1A1s, and upgraded M113s.

Some counterbalancing perspectives. If the AH-64E procurement runs to schedule, the Tigres will have seen 25 years of ADF service. Other platforms have been operated longer, but only after extensive upgrade programs. It will be similar for the NH90s once a contract is inked for their...

The only section that definitely won't / can't be built in Aus is that containing the reactor.

Subs have been built in Australia before, and interestingly enough the only fabrication defects encountered in the program were in early sections built overseas. Since then, the combat management system was updated (changed over) to the USN's AN/BYG-1, with integration and installation work...

The RAN Hobart class are "full Aegis" ships. The additional systems are for functionality not included in AEGIS, similar to use of AN/SQQ-89 by the USN.

Money doesn't buy happiness, but the quality of life, experiences and opportunities that it does can certainly help....

Not sure which signs you're referring to, but there are those who believe the US invited the UK to join the program in order to interest them in aligning their future submarine programs with the US. The former defence minister Peter Dutton has made some interesting public comments, and the RAN...

It was about the boats. Australia was already "locked in" the US alliance pretty deeply.

The ANZAC class ASMD upgrade (ESSM plus CEAFAR) would have rendered Phalanx CIWS somewhat moot though.

The decision by the US to share nuclear technology would have sunk the Attack class program no matter which supplier of diesel electric boats had been selected.

We'll if you're in a boarding party for border security ops, you want to look 'military.'