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Australia's newly announced autonomous submarine program fills a critical capability gap in the nation's underwater defense strategy while complementing rather than replacing planned nuclear submarines, according to a defense expert who welcomed the government's latest military investment.
Jennifer Parker, a former Royal Australian Navy officer with over two decades of service and current expert associate at the Australian National University's National Security College, said the announcement represents a significant step forward for Australia's maritime defense capabilities.
"For a long time, Australia has kind of been lagging in the underwater domain," Parker told Sky News from Honolulu. "Yes, we have had submarines, but we haven't had the broader range of capabilities that other countries are exploring."
The acting Prime Minister announced Tuesday that Australia will acquire dozens of autonomous underwater vehicles, with the submarines to be built domestically. The government characterized the technology as world-leading but provided limited specifics about payload capabilities or exact numbers to be produced.
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Parker said the decision to withhold detailed specifications makes strategic sense, despite public criticism about the lack of transparency.
"Most countries, when they talk about underwater capabilities, a lot of them don't release anything to the public because it is so sensitive," she explained. "The fact that they've released this information, I think, is positive."
The defense expert pointed to China's recent military parade as an example of how secretive nations remain about underwater capabilities. "Last week at China's victory parade was the first time we realized that China had two new models of uncrewed underwater vehicles," Parker said.
Strategic Security Considerations
The vague public details serve a tactical purpose, according to Parker, who noted that revealing specific numbers could compromise operational security.
"That would allow any adversary to try and work out how many we have and where they might be operating," she said. "So that is a good decision, although I understand to the public it might seem a bit strange."
The autonomous submarines, developed in just three years, represent a rapid advancement in Australia's underwater warfare capabilities. The Defense Minister described the technology as world-leading, a characterization Parker said appears accurate based on international comparisons.
"It probably is world-leading technology," Parker said. "It's a bit hard to say because not many countries actually released the details on their uncrewed underwater vehicles."
The program could position Australia as a potential technology exporter, particularly to the United States, which has faced challenges with its own autonomous underwater vehicle program. Parker noted that the U.S. has struggled with their version of similar technology, known as the Orca.
"This is potentially an opportunity to say, hey, we're becoming world leading in this," Parker said. "We could export this to you to complement the work you're doing on fixing your submarine industrial base."
AUKUS Partnership Implications
The announcement comes as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese prepares for a crucial trip to the United States next week, where he is expected to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss the AUKUS submarine partnership.
Parker emphasized that while the autonomous submarines represent significant technological advancement, they do not diminish Australia's need for nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement with the United States and United Kingdom.
"It certainly doesn't replace the need for our AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, but it will complement them in what is becoming an increasingly congested underwater domain," she said.
The defense expert stressed that the autonomous submarine program does not resolve ongoing challenges with the AUKUS partnership or Australia's reliance on U.S. submarine sales.
"It doesn't mitigate our challenges with AUKUS and it doesn't mitigate the need for us to ensure the U.S. intends to sell us three submarines in the 30s," Parker said, referring to planned submarine deliveries in the 2030s.
Technological Capabilities and Limitations
Despite the advanced technology, Parker said the autonomous submarines face significant operational limitations compared to crewed vessels. The vehicles, while described as long-range, cannot match the operational scope of traditional submarines.
"It can do some missions depending on its payloads, so intelligence, surveillance, or potentially strike, the government was saying yesterday, but it can't do the range of missions that a submarine can do," Parker explained.
Communication challenges present another significant limitation for autonomous underwater operations.
"It is actually really hard to communicate with capabilities under sea," Parker said. "So having a crewed capability that can make some of those decisions, I think certainly is our direction for the medium to long term."
These technical constraints mean the autonomous submarines, despite their advanced capabilities, will not replace traditional submarines in the foreseeable future.
"It's a good capability, but it can't replace the capability of submarines," Parker said. "Will that change in the next 10, 20 years? I think that's unlikely."
Military and Political Context
The announcement positions Australia at the forefront of underwater warfare technology development, according to Parker, who has specialized background in anti-submarine warfare operations.
"It certainly puts our ADF and our Royal Australian Navy at the forefront of things," she said, referring to the Australian Defence Force.
The timing of the announcement, just days before Albanese's U.S. visit, provides Australia with tangible evidence of its defense innovation capabilities. The Prime Minister faces the delicate task of maintaining the AUKUS partnership while managing relations with the new Trump administration.
Parker's assessment suggests the autonomous submarine program demonstrates Australia's commitment to defense modernization and technological innovation, potentially strengthening its position in discussions with U.S. military officials.
The program represents part of broader efforts to modernize Australia's naval capabilities amid growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region. The "increasingly congested underwater domain" that Parker referenced reflects heightened military activity by multiple nations in contested waters.
Future Implications
The rapid three-year development timeline for the autonomous submarines indicates Australia's capacity for accelerated defense technology advancement when strategic priorities align with adequate resources.
Parker's analysis suggests the program will enhance Australia's maritime surveillance and potential strike capabilities while serving as a complement to, rather than replacement for, traditional submarine operations.
The decision to build the submarines domestically aligns with broader government efforts to strengthen Australia's defense industrial base and reduce reliance on foreign military suppliers for critical capabilities.
As Australia navigates complex strategic relationships in the Indo-Pacific, the autonomous submarine program represents both a technological achievement and a diplomatic tool for demonstrating military innovation to key allies.
The success of the program could influence future defense procurement decisions and Australia's role in regional security partnerships, particularly as underwater warfare capabilities become increasingly important in modern naval strategy.
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