I previously said I think we will get the Astute subs. I still lean that way. Simply because of lifetime costs and manning
The supers were a while ago and it was a big deal at the time. I wouldn't discount the event. I would love to hear about all the other times, the US has given a country equipment out of their run. I don't know of any, but I haven't deeply looked either.
The shipyards have said, they will invest in infrastructure to build 3 Virginias a year, if they get a fixed multiyear order.
I wouldn't totally discount the possibility of the US giving us 2 Virginias out of their run, but that isn't what Dutton said, was it? He said we could 'get' 2 by 2030. He also earlier talked about leasing.
His oped was vague and politically motivated, in my opinion.
Last edited by golder; 17th Jun 2022 at 06:25.