Australia faces growing submarine threat

The West Australian ^ | 1st March 2007

[sukhoi-30mki]

Australia faces growing submarine threat 1st March 2007, 9:48 WST

Australia faces a growing threat from regional nations equipped with modern submarines, a new study warns.

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) says Australia's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities had lagged behind because regional nations had few submarines and those were of dubious capability.

But many regional nations were now acquiring modern submarines and weapons.

"The upshot is that Australia will soon face a region that has a much greater capability to conduct submarine operations," ASPI analyst Dr Andrew Davies said in the study.

"In a contingency, submarines will be able to seriously threaten the operation of surface fleets and commercial trade.

"Australia simply cannot expect to be able to conduct major naval operations in waters patrolled by submarines without a major upgrade to its ASW capabilities."

Under current plans Indonesia is buying four Russian built Kilo class boats with more to follow. Malaysia has two French boats on order. Vietnam is contemplating acquiring two or three Kilo class boats.

China, Pakistan and India already possess significant submarine fleets.

Dr Davies said the major shortfalls in Australia's ASW capability included frigate sonar systems with a limited ability to detect submarines across a wide range of sea conditions, restricted helicopter ASW capability and limited data networking across the fleet.

He said decisions to be made this year on new ships had the potential to impact on Australia's ability to operate in areas where opposition from submarine could be expected.

Australia is currently buying expensive air warfare destroyers (AWDs) and helicopter landing ships, both capable of performing a significant ASW role if equipped with suitable equipment.

Dr Davies said the AWDs could be fitted with the advanced sonar systems and helicopters needed to perform an ASW operation.

He said the navy currently possesses three types of helicopter - Sea Hawks, elderly Sea Kings and the still troubled Sea Sprites - when what it really needs is just one type. The proposed new MRH90 could be fitted with advanced ASW capabilities including a dunking sonar and surface search radar.

On the plus side the RAAF's Orion AP-3C maritime surveillance aircraft and the navy's six Collins submarines possess advanced ASW capabilities, which can be further improved through ongoing upgrades.

AAP

[quantim]

Australia faces a growing threat from regional nations equipped with modern submarines, a new study warns.

That's nuts.

Their enemy is within.

Rampant bomb-belters waiting for their cue, just like here.

[Levante]

I always thought the Royal Australian Navy could use a few refurbished S-3 Vikings (maybe a dozen?). After all, the old S-2 Trackers (used from shore bases in the North of Australia) were never replaced. And the unarmed Coastwatch aircraft now being used are for Customs-type enforcement only.