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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Tory Shepherd

Mind the capability gap: what happens if Collins class submarines retire before nuclear boats are ready?

Surfaced Astute-class submarine
The Royal Navy’s HMS Artful, an Astute class attack submarine, the design of which is among potential options for Australia’s nuclear-powered replacement for the Collins class. Photograph: Thomas McDonald/British Ministry of Defence/EPA


“Every galah in the pet shop is talking about a capability gap”, former defence secretary Dennis Richardson memorably said.

Those “galahs” include defence experts, policymakers and industry, who are all fretting about whether Australia will be left vulnerable when the ageing Collins class submarines are retired.

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