Nuclear subs add ‘complexity factor’ to Australia's defence strategy

Australia’s new nuclear submarine program has “added a complexity factor” to the country’s defence strategy, says former ASPI executive director Peter Jennings. “I think the government has actually done a very clever thing here,” he told Sky News host Sharri Markson. “It’s worked with American support to get Virginia-class boats, already built submarines, into Australian service in the course of this decade.” Mr Jennings said there is a “question mark” as the government plans to switch after ten years from the Virginia-class submarines to a new design between Australia, Britain and America. “It’s a mixed bag – I think the short-term solution is just right,” he said. “Longer-term – I hope the government is not underestimating the cost and the complexity of trying to manage two nuclear propulsion programs at the same time, not just one.”