Australia’s defence planners are currently contemplating the acquisition of new submarines to secure Australia’s defence capabilities into the second half of this century.
It is likely, however, that these submarines will be bought for the wrong reason; they will be the wrong type; and with the wrong design.
1. The Wrong Reason
Australia’s current submarines, the Collins class, are a disaster. Of six commissioned, only one is currently operational. They were chosen for the wrong reason. Australia chose a long-range and multi-tasked boat, capable of assisting the US Navy in its Pacific Ocean operations. But this choice begs the question: should Australian defence dollars be spent to further American, or Australian national interests? Since W.W.2, Australia’s obsequious support of US foreign policy has led to ignominious adventures in Vietnam, Iraq and Afganistan, and the deaths of hundreds of Australian servicemen. Australia owes it to herself to purchase submarines which support Australian, rather than American interests. Australia’s national interests are increasingly separating from those of America, and are being drawn towards China. China is Australia’s largest trading partner, and will soon be the world’s richest country. By the time the new submarines are fully operational (some time after 2030), China will rival the US as a military power, and will certainly exceed the US as a Pacific military power. It would be foolhardy for Australia to choose its next submarines based on a desire for an interoperability of the Australian and US navies.
2. The Wrong Type
The Australian Defence White Paper, released in May 2009, specifies the requirements for the new submarines. These include a long range (even longer than the Collins class) and a strategic strike (ie cruise missile) capability. Like with the Collins class, the specifications are drawn up to ensure that they can assist the US Navy. As a result, they will be inordinately expensive, estimated at over A$3 billion each. A$36 billion for 12 boats. Excessive range (so they can operate with US Naval Task Forces) and the ability to launch cruise missiles (a capability which will held by Australia’s new Joint Strike Fighters), results in a cost disproportionate to the benefits to Australia. Australia would be better served by procuring smaller and cheaper submarines, fitted out to defend Australia’s interests, not America’s.
3. The Wrong Design
The Defence White Paper sets out a long list of high-level specifications for the new submarines. Tailor-made to these Australian requirements, there will be no sales to other navies. Familiar ring? Yes- the Collins class submarines have the same provenance. And because the Collins class submarines were uniquely Australian, they were untried – and failed. They failed technically, and had major cost and delivery over-runs. Low mechanical readiness has exacerbated crew retention issues.
Instead of designing submarines from scratch, Australia should purchase proven submarines. They could still be built in Australia. Buying submarines which are already operating with other navies reduces the risk of failure. And it means the purchase decision can be made considerably later, and take advantage of new technology and with a clearer picture of Australia’s security imperatives. Australia should buy proven submarines. To do otherwise puts Australia’s security at risk.
Michael Melville Kirwan 11 February 2010 Biographical note: Michael Kirwan was previously an active officer with the Royal Australian Naval Reserve, in the Naval Intelligence Division.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Defining Australia’s submarine fleet
The 2009 Australian Government Defence Whitepaper discusses the effectiveness of submarines in our defence and an expansion of the RAN submarine fleet. But will the right decisions be made about boat class, capability and procurement this time?
Many whitepaper submissions called for a much larger submarine fleet, pointing to both the efficiency of boats in their influence over opposing forces and the land sea strike capability of new generation vessels.
But of course, this cuts both ways. Other nations within our region, and globally, are actively acquiring submarines. Indeed, Andrew Davies of the Australian Strategic Policy Unit commented “I just make the observation that submarines work both ways: they will be very effective for Australia, but they will be very effective for other countries as well. Australia must get better at Anti-Submarine Warfare. In a region that is acquiring boats at an impressive rate, our current moribund state of ASW is not going to be adequate to allow us to pursue naval operation - or not with any degree of confidence. I just make the observation that an ASW-capable naval helicopter would be a very good start in this respect.”
In short, Australia needs to find her own way. And do so well. In the past we’ve looked to defence partnerships, particularly our strong relationship with the US, in acquiring vessels that form part of a wider, overarching strategy. This approach has left Australia, with one of the world’s longest coastlines, spread thinly with appropriate submarines for our particular and unique defence needs.
Nowhere is this more apparent that the Collins Class submarine acquisition disaster. After many years and with only one of six vessels operational, the procurement procedure itself is questionable.
However, the wider issues as to the suitability, potential use and lifespan of these boats in an emerging global political and defence environment should have been the obvious driving force. For the future, Australia simply cannot ignore the world we’ve known for over 100 years is changing. And as the balance of power shifts to a much less predictable status-quo, our defence capability is more important than ever.
Michael Melville Kirwan
Many whitepaper submissions called for a much larger submarine fleet, pointing to both the efficiency of boats in their influence over opposing forces and the land sea strike capability of new generation vessels.
But of course, this cuts both ways. Other nations within our region, and globally, are actively acquiring submarines. Indeed, Andrew Davies of the Australian Strategic Policy Unit commented “I just make the observation that submarines work both ways: they will be very effective for Australia, but they will be very effective for other countries as well. Australia must get better at Anti-Submarine Warfare. In a region that is acquiring boats at an impressive rate, our current moribund state of ASW is not going to be adequate to allow us to pursue naval operation - or not with any degree of confidence. I just make the observation that an ASW-capable naval helicopter would be a very good start in this respect.”
In short, Australia needs to find her own way. And do so well. In the past we’ve looked to defence partnerships, particularly our strong relationship with the US, in acquiring vessels that form part of a wider, overarching strategy. This approach has left Australia, with one of the world’s longest coastlines, spread thinly with appropriate submarines for our particular and unique defence needs.
Nowhere is this more apparent that the Collins Class submarine acquisition disaster. After many years and with only one of six vessels operational, the procurement procedure itself is questionable.
However, the wider issues as to the suitability, potential use and lifespan of these boats in an emerging global political and defence environment should have been the obvious driving force. For the future, Australia simply cannot ignore the world we’ve known for over 100 years is changing. And as the balance of power shifts to a much less predictable status-quo, our defence capability is more important than ever.
Michael Melville Kirwan
Thursday, November 11, 2010
93AA: a tale of battery-powered babysitting!
AA batteries! These two little letters spell out absolutely everything you need to survive a 93 minute power blackout. All while babysitting four rambunctious kids. The evening I now affectionately refer to as my ‘93AA’ tale tells you how.
Once upon a babysitting eve, four little Kirwans and myself were having dinner. Nine year old Michael Kirwan was making a persuasive argument for swapping broccoli for ice cream. Then the lights went out! Amidst the screams of delight, I reassured myself it was a temporary glitch. But darkness persisted.
A rapid search of the house yielded no candles and definitely no generator. Only a packet of AA batteries offered light at the end of the tunnel. Presently I got a txt from my mum saying the outage was expected to last over an hour. The devilish gleam in the Kirwan kids eyes (led by Michael!) told me anarchy was imminent. And so was their bedtime! So it was that I hit upon my 93AA strategy.
I didn’t know then that the power cut would last exactly 93 minutes. But I did know what my strategy was. Exhausting my four exhuberant babysitting charges using nothing but AA batteries . Here’s what my 93AA evening entailed:
• An outdoor game of spotlight
• Playing hide & seek with only a torch for light
• Making a ‘fort’ under the kitchen table & telling campfire tales by torchlight
• Running a ‘best of 3 games’ competition on Michael Kirwan’s PSP
• Creating ‘shadow’ animals on the wall using our hands
When the lights finally came on again, they shone upon four sleeping Kirwan kids. All huddled in the ‘fort’ with Michael Kirwan still holding his beloved PSP.
So what’s the babysitting moral of the story you ask? Simply this: engage a child’s imagination within any given situation and you’ve won! There’s a lot of press claiming today’s child is a couch potato interested only in electronic entertainment. But my 93AA evening proved to me that fertile imagination remains rich in children. All we need do is ignite and channel it! And as babysitters, we’re perfectly poised to do just that.
Visit Michael Melville Kirwan online
Once upon a babysitting eve, four little Kirwans and myself were having dinner. Nine year old Michael Kirwan was making a persuasive argument for swapping broccoli for ice cream. Then the lights went out! Amidst the screams of delight, I reassured myself it was a temporary glitch. But darkness persisted.
A rapid search of the house yielded no candles and definitely no generator. Only a packet of AA batteries offered light at the end of the tunnel. Presently I got a txt from my mum saying the outage was expected to last over an hour. The devilish gleam in the Kirwan kids eyes (led by Michael!) told me anarchy was imminent. And so was their bedtime! So it was that I hit upon my 93AA strategy.
I didn’t know then that the power cut would last exactly 93 minutes. But I did know what my strategy was. Exhausting my four exhuberant babysitting charges using nothing but AA batteries . Here’s what my 93AA evening entailed:
• An outdoor game of spotlight
• Playing hide & seek with only a torch for light
• Making a ‘fort’ under the kitchen table & telling campfire tales by torchlight
• Running a ‘best of 3 games’ competition on Michael Kirwan’s PSP
• Creating ‘shadow’ animals on the wall using our hands
When the lights finally came on again, they shone upon four sleeping Kirwan kids. All huddled in the ‘fort’ with Michael Kirwan still holding his beloved PSP.
So what’s the babysitting moral of the story you ask? Simply this: engage a child’s imagination within any given situation and you’ve won! There’s a lot of press claiming today’s child is a couch potato interested only in electronic entertainment. But my 93AA evening proved to me that fertile imagination remains rich in children. All we need do is ignite and channel it! And as babysitters, we’re perfectly poised to do just that.
Visit Michael Melville Kirwan online
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
93 & AA - What a Combination!
Recently I discovered, at age 93, AA row can be more pain than pleasure. Granny was fast approaching the ripe old age of 93. AA seemed like the ideal spot for us all sit with her and watch a favourite show. A celebration of sorts. So when the opportunity arose to snap up some AA seats for her 93 rd birthday, I grabbed the chance.
The whole family came along, but we discovered row AA isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Granny, as I mentioned is 93 ... AA is right at the front. So the poor dear needed to be practically engineered to the front of the theatre. Then agonising step by step across towards the middle of the row.
At last we arrived and settled into our premium AA seats. 93 year old Granny was delighted to be attending this event surrounded by loving family. We were all chatty and excitedly reading the program when the lights began to dim and the music began.
Which is about when I realised that sitting in row AA is about as comfortable as enduring a long session at the dentist, except without the comfort of a neck roll. My own straight forward vision gave a delightful view of the performer’s shoelaces. I shudder to think what my little 93 year old granny could see without craning skyward ... but the children’s uninterrupted view was to be short-lived when the call of nature arrived.
Let me say that it just isn’t possible to stealthily move from the centre of row AA to the bathrooms in any theatre. First carefully stepping over and around 93 year old granny, then right to the end of row AA. Embarassing, yes. But not quite as humiliating as the bulls-eye shot a small child can achieve with choc-top ice-cream into the orchestra pit. Naturally this enraged the performers, and much of row AA. 93 year old Granny just got the giggles.
If you’ve ever been to the theatre and anticipated intermission ... perhaps a spot of bubbly, air kissing socialites or a quick relief (of some sort) ... the 93 AA combination can bring that all undone. Getting Granny to her seat was challenging enough. But moving a 93 year old from row AA (completely unaided I might add) through a theatre crowd determined to be first to the ablutions posed a whole new test. Ah, yes, then the bell rings and you need to get back to those AA seats again. All within an impossible timespan.
I’m not sure whether I should mention the proximity of row AA to the stage also poses certain dangers. And not necessarily to 93 year old ladies. Yes, there is always the possibility of a misguided prop. But that risk seems tiny when compared with a little bit of over-spray from the stage. Yes, those lusty songs like Old Man River get us all going ... including the performers. So we shouldn’t be surprised if their spittle builds up and maybe escapes with that soaring high note. But watch out where it lands.
That’s all from Michael Melville Kirwan today and the 93AA combination.
The whole family came along, but we discovered row AA isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Granny, as I mentioned is 93 ... AA is right at the front. So the poor dear needed to be practically engineered to the front of the theatre. Then agonising step by step across towards the middle of the row.
At last we arrived and settled into our premium AA seats. 93 year old Granny was delighted to be attending this event surrounded by loving family. We were all chatty and excitedly reading the program when the lights began to dim and the music began.
Which is about when I realised that sitting in row AA is about as comfortable as enduring a long session at the dentist, except without the comfort of a neck roll. My own straight forward vision gave a delightful view of the performer’s shoelaces. I shudder to think what my little 93 year old granny could see without craning skyward ... but the children’s uninterrupted view was to be short-lived when the call of nature arrived.
Let me say that it just isn’t possible to stealthily move from the centre of row AA to the bathrooms in any theatre. First carefully stepping over and around 93 year old granny, then right to the end of row AA. Embarassing, yes. But not quite as humiliating as the bulls-eye shot a small child can achieve with choc-top ice-cream into the orchestra pit. Naturally this enraged the performers, and much of row AA. 93 year old Granny just got the giggles.
If you’ve ever been to the theatre and anticipated intermission ... perhaps a spot of bubbly, air kissing socialites or a quick relief (of some sort) ... the 93 AA combination can bring that all undone. Getting Granny to her seat was challenging enough. But moving a 93 year old from row AA (completely unaided I might add) through a theatre crowd determined to be first to the ablutions posed a whole new test. Ah, yes, then the bell rings and you need to get back to those AA seats again. All within an impossible timespan.
I’m not sure whether I should mention the proximity of row AA to the stage also poses certain dangers. And not necessarily to 93 year old ladies. Yes, there is always the possibility of a misguided prop. But that risk seems tiny when compared with a little bit of over-spray from the stage. Yes, those lusty songs like Old Man River get us all going ... including the performers. So we shouldn’t be surprised if their spittle builds up and maybe escapes with that soaring high note. But watch out where it lands.
That’s all from Michael Melville Kirwan today and the 93AA combination.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Collins not so classy
With five of Australia's six Collins Class submarines in dry dock, engineers are currently considering the possibility the problem-plagued engines may need to be replaced.
The problematic diesel engines were expected to last until around 2025, when next generation subs are planned to enter service.
But with only one Collins Class submarine operational and crippling maintenance issues, there is a real possibility Australia will need to spend millions of dollars getting the Collins Class back in the water.
With this degree of fiasco, from procurement to deployment it's difficult to reason the Australian people should place their trust in an identical governmental process for our new millennium submarines. But of course, that's exactly what's happening.
And they say history never repeats.
Michael Melville Kirwan has been an active officer in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve, within the Naval Intelligence Division.
He retains a keen interest in Navy Intelligence and has added his voice to informed debate on Australia's new submarines.
The problematic diesel engines were expected to last until around 2025, when next generation subs are planned to enter service.
But with only one Collins Class submarine operational and crippling maintenance issues, there is a real possibility Australia will need to spend millions of dollars getting the Collins Class back in the water.
With this degree of fiasco, from procurement to deployment it's difficult to reason the Australian people should place their trust in an identical governmental process for our new millennium submarines. But of course, that's exactly what's happening.
And they say history never repeats.
Michael Melville Kirwan has been an active officer in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve, within the Naval Intelligence Division.
He retains a keen interest in Navy Intelligence and has added his voice to informed debate on Australia's new submarines.
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