Would you buy a used submarine from Pete Hegseth? First, a history lesson
Australia's decision to acquire three second-hand nuclear-powered submarines has raised concerns about potential risks. Defence Minister Richard Marles defends the deal, asserting it remains beneficial despite skepticism. Historical precedents of purchasing used naval vessels suggest caution is warranted due to past maintenance issues and unexpected costs.
- ▪The original AUKUS plan included one new and two second-hand Virginia-class submarines, but it has now shifted to three second-hand ones.
- ▪Past acquisitions of second-hand vessels have often resulted in undisclosed maintenance backlogs and significant refit costs.
- ▪The 1994 purchase of two Newport-class tank-landing ships serves as a cautionary tale, leading to extensive repairs and delays.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.