The transcript discusses Australia's plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, a decision that will cost the country over 300 billion dollars. The submarines, to be purchased from the United States, will be a significant investment for the country, providing substantial firepower and stability in the region.
The transcript also provides a detailed account of a trip taken by an Australian delegation to test drive one of the United States Navy's Virginia-class submarines, the USS North Carolina. The delegation was given rare permission to board the submarine for a first-hand experience of its capabilities.
The USS North Carolina is described as a "monster" of a submarine, nearly 8 million kilograms of steel, 115 meters long, and capable of carrying a dozen missiles and close to 30 torpedoes. It can stay submerged for months and is virtually undetectable to radar or sonar.
The transcript also mentions the intense negotiations taking place in the United States to greenlight the deal with Australia. However, there are concerns about the feasibility of fulfilling the deal, given the financial burden and the logistical challenges involved.
The transcript ends with a discussion on the costs involved, with the Australian defense minister stating that the cost of the submarines is about seven percent of the defense budget. He also mentions that the Australian government will be conducting a thorough review of the defense estate to balance the budget.
1. The cost of acquiring a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines for Australia is over 300 billion dollars, which is considered substantial.
2. The country will get enormous firepower with the most advanced and lethal fighting machines humans can build, the submarines.
3. The submarines are said to provide stability in the region, though China might not agree with this.
4. The United States Navy has given Australia rare permission to come on board and test drive one of its incredible attack submarines, the Virginia class USS North Carolina.
5. The USS North Carolina is one of 22 Virginia-class submarines in the world.
6. The submarine can carry a dozen missiles and close to 30 torpedoes.
7. The submarine is nuclear-powered, which extends the distance at which Australia can sail.
8. The submarine's reload capabilities allow the torpedo men to get the weapon ready in less than about 20 minutes.
9. The submarine's crew survives in conditions that are described as nothing short of astonishing, with the kitchen turning over 570 meals a day.
10. The submarine is capable of diving and becoming undetectable to anyone.
11. The range of the weapon is classified.
12. The Americans have been operating nuclear-powered subs longer than any other country.
13. The USS Nautilus was built in 1954 and now rests at its Home Port in Groton Connecticut.
14. The Americans are struggling to build two Virginia-class submarines a year for their own Navy, let alone fulfill Australia's order.
15. U.S lawmakers can't agree on how to share nuclear technology with another country.
16. The success of the deal relies heavily on the support of Congress in the coming months.
17. The cost to taxpayers is up to 368 billion dollars over 30 years.
18. The Collins class submarines in Australia's fleet are now close to retirement.
19. The nuclear-powered Virginia can stay submerged for many months at a time.
20. The Virginia class submarines purchased from the US will be the seventh country in the world to operate nuclear-powered submarines.
21. The price tag for the submarines is estimated to be about seven percent of the defense budget.
22. The Australian government plans to buy between three and five Virginia-class boats from the US.
23. The first boat to come under Australian command in 10 years will be purchased from the US.
24. The cost of the deal is considered eye-watering, with the price estimated to be up to 368 billion dollars.
25. The USS Nautilus was the first nuclear-powered submarine, built in 1954.
26. The Americans have been operating nuclear-powered subs longer than any other country.
27. The USS Nautilus was built in 19