This paper endeavours to identify the principal factors that need to be identified and addressed if Australia is to pursue the nuclear propulsion option for its next generation submarines. The author argues that Australia has the capacity to manage these issues, even if it cannot...

This report examines the AUKUS announcement and the cancellation of the agreement with Naval Group to build the Attack-class boats, in addition to providing an update on the Department of Defence's accountability and transparency.

In September 2021, the Australian government announced that it would acquire a nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) capability with support from the UK and the US as the first measure under the AUKUS technology sharing partnership. In order to chart this long, difficult journey, the government also...

In order to deliver on the Australian government’s ambitious plans for future shipbuilding capability, the urgent task today is to develop a bridging strategy that delivers short term capability wins and boosts vital industrial capability. The plan presented in this paper does both - by...

Australia’s decision to join with the United States and the United Kingdom to build Australian long-range nuclear-powered submarines has little to do with the defence of Australia, writes Allan Behm.

The Senate Economics References Committee has produced this interim report because it has become increasingly concerned about the status of the Future Submarine Program (FSP) and the Department of Defence's lack of responsiveness, in terms of providing information on the project.

In light of Australia’s climate commitments, it stands to reason that the creation of a nuclear-power sector ought to be revisited, writes Lesley Hughes.

This independent performance audit in the Department of Defence considers the current phase of design and construction of 12 new submarines (the ‘Future Submarine’ fleet) the largest Defence procurement in Australia's history.

This paper advocates early consideration of all aspects of a transition to nuclear propulsion for Australia's submarines, based on compelling strategic and submarine capability arguments. While a nuclear-powered submarine force would provide strategic advantages, some quite formidable challenges would need to be overcome to add...

The transition from the Collins-class submarines to the future submarine fleet will be more complex than any previous capability transition that Defence has undergone. The submarine enterprise will be in constant transition, rather than completing a short, bounded transition process.

This independent report by Insight Economics, sponsored by Mr Gary Johnston (Submarines for Australia), presents an analysis of the government’s decision on the acquisition of twelve future submarines (FSM) for the Royal Australian Navy under the SEA 1000 programme.

The objective of this audit was to assess the effectiveness of Defence’s design and implementation of arrangements to select a preferred Strategic Partner for the Future Submarines Program.

This special report examines the potential for UMVs to expand Australia’s maritime domain awareness and make the ADF’s and Australia Border Force’s risk management strategies more efficient.

Overview The building of Australia’s fleet of future submarines is likely to be the largest defence program in this country’s history. It will cost tens of billions of dollars and will run for decades. So it’s little wonder that it’s a recurring topic of interest...

This paper considers the design and build of Australia’s future submarine. Overview Submarines are a critical strategic capability for the uncertain times ahead. This paper considers the design and build of Australia’s future submarine including the possible acquisition of Japanese submarines by Australia to replace...

This fourth and final review into the Collins Class submarine sustainment program argues that submarine maintenance and availability has significantly improved.

To avoid a capability gap and retain an effective undersea warfare capability the future submarine must commence sea trials in 2022. Planning and initiation of long lead activities such as R&D are now on the critical path to inform decisions to be taken in 2010...