![]() This impediment was suddenly removed of late, which precipitated the decision-given the dissatisfaction with the French deal-to make the radical shift to nuclear submarines. The other impediment was, until very recently, the US refusal to make them available. That has been one of two impediments to any idea of acquiring nuclear powered submarines. Since the 1980s, Australia has labored under a law that prohibits the development of a nuclear industry within its borders. This essay is written from that perspective. Those workshops equipped me to understand the series of developments that have since unfolded. Ten years ago, before any decision had been taken in Canberra on the next generation submarine capability, I was asked, as a special consultant, to run a series of workshops for the Submarine Institute of Australia (SIA) on the core issues involved. I have been an observer of these developments for many years. Finally, Washington and London resolved to stand up to China and made it clear to Canberra that they see Australia as an indispensable strategic ally in the looming geostrategic confrontation. The strategic environment has been rapidly deteriorating although France is a marginal player in Indo-Pacific affairs, it has been closer to China than either London or Washington and Canberra saw it as a less than fully reliable strategic partner if push came to shove. ![]() Relations with the French were not good, and ongoing rancor over the terms and conditions of the contract were irritating powerful people in Canberra. The decision was taken for three reasons. This has created a diplomatic rift between Canberra and Paris. ![]() The Australian government then announced that it would instead be acquiring British or American nuclear-powered submarines to replace its current Collins class diesel electric submarines. ![]() The Australian government informed the French government on Septemthat it was withdrawing from a large signed contract to develop next generation conventional submarines. ![]()
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