Showing how debates in Submarine Matter's reflect more broadly held naval debates, below is part of Andew Greene's and David Lewis' excellent article in Australia's Government owned ABC News:
“Prime Minister urged to examine 'plan B' for submarines”
A group of retired naval officers who served at the highest levels has warned Australia is spending an "excessive" amount of taxpayers' money on its new submarines.
Rear Admiral Peter Briggs, Commodore Paul Greenfield, and Commodore Terence Roach have signed a joint letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison urging him to change course.
In the letter, the former officers urge the Government to consider commissioning a new generation of the Collins Class fleet.
"We are strongly of the view that the Government should evaluate a second option, at very low cost and without impeding the present approach," the letter states.
"The alternative option, that we believe could be cheaper, quicker and less risky and offer a greater level of Australian industry participation, is to build an evolved version of the Collins Class.''
The group has asked the Government to invest $50 million in a two-year study to assess the merits of building a so-called "son of Collins"..."