Re:Australia to acquire nuclear submarine fleet (AUKUS)
by willyt on Friday September 17, 2021 @04:30AM
(#28562735)
French nuclear deterrent is entirely developed in house, whearas the UK one is US power plant, warheads and missiles with British naval architecture. Maybe the French didn’t give them nuclear tech for security reasons, same way no-one else is allowed to buy America’s top end stuff.
Re:Australia to acquire nuclear submarine fleet (AUKUS)
by jjk166 on Friday September 17, 2021 @10:07AM
(#28565643)
The French did offer to sell Australia nuclear subs in 2016, but Australia chose not to go with that option.
Re:Australia to acquire nuclear submarine fleet (AUKUS)
by josephagoss on Sunday September 19, 2021 @04:52AM
(#28582773)
The missiles are US but I was under the impression the warheads on UK tridents are UK built. No US warheads involved.
The French are not only 'pissed off' for commercial reasons. The deal was part of a long term strategy of France in the region, with India and Australia being the two main partners, so this has serious consequences for them beyond a simple arms sale.
Now, on the other hand, two good questions are whether the Australian ever discussed the possibility of France supplying nuclear-powered submarines instead of conventional ones, and whether France would have accepted. I don't know the answer to either though I'm doubtful about the latter and that may be an objective and very good reason for Australia to switch.