목차
Background 4
The deteriorating strategic environment 4
A contested environment – submarine forces in the Indo-Pacific 6
Australia’s primary strategic defence objective changed to deterrence 7
Is deterrence the best strategy for Australia? 8
A vast operating area 9
The capability upgrade: SSK v SSN 11
The high dollar cost and opportunity cost of an SSN deterrent 12
Key SSN advantages explained 13
Stealth – SSNs have a better indiscretion rate 13
Speed – an SSN’s high persistent speed provides tactical flexibility 16
Endurance – SSNs can stay on task longer in a contested operational area 17
Flexibility – nuclear propulsion permits bigger boats and payloads 18
Armament – SSNs can carry heavier, longer-range missiles 19
Conclusion 19
Links for further reading 20
Is a strategy of deterrence the right choice for Australia? 20
SSN/SSK capability 20
Is SSN capability too expensive? 21
Can the AUKUS Pathway succeed in delivering SSNs? 21
The deteriorating strategic environment 4
A contested environment – submarine forces in the Indo-Pacific 6
Australia’s primary strategic defence objective changed to deterrence 7
Is deterrence the best strategy for Australia? 8
A vast operating area 9
The capability upgrade: SSK v SSN 11
The high dollar cost and opportunity cost of an SSN deterrent 12
Key SSN advantages explained 13
Stealth – SSNs have a better indiscretion rate 13
Speed – an SSN’s high persistent speed provides tactical flexibility 16
Endurance – SSNs can stay on task longer in a contested operational area 17
Flexibility – nuclear propulsion permits bigger boats and payloads 18
Armament – SSNs can carry heavier, longer-range missiles 19
Conclusion 19
Links for further reading 20
Is a strategy of deterrence the right choice for Australia? 20
SSN/SSK capability 20
Is SSN capability too expensive? 21
Can the AUKUS Pathway succeed in delivering SSNs? 21
