Gareth Evans

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Images released as part of the AUKUS press release. Ambush, the second of the Royal NavyÃs potent new Astute Class attack submarines, sails into Her MajestyÃs Naval Base Clyde in September 2012 to begin sea trials. The 7,400 tonne submarine sailed from the shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, where she was built, to HMNB Clyde in Scotland.The seven Astute Class boats planned for the Royal Navy are the most advanced and powerful attack submarines Britain has ever sent to sea.They feature the latest nuclear-powered technology, which means they never need to be refuelled and can circumnavigate the world submerged, manufacturing the crewÃs oxygen from seawater as she goes. Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology Philip Dunne said: ÃAmbushÃs arrival at her home port to begin her sea trials marks a key milestone in the Astute Class submarine programme and is testament to the skills of those involved in the UKÃs world class submarine building industry. "Ambush is an immensely powerful and advanced vessel that will deliver an important capability to the Royal Navy giving it the versatility and technical excellence needed to operate successfully across the globe." The Astute Class is quieter than any of her predecessors and has the ability to operate covertly and remain undetected in almost all circumstances despite being fifty percent bigger than the Royal NavyÃs current Trafalgar Class submarines.The boatÃs Commanding Officer, Commander Peter Green, said:ÃIt was very satisfying bringing Ambush into her home port for the first time after initial sea trials. The shipÃs company and I are now looking forward to putting her through her paces over the coming months, ensuring that she is one step closer to being deployed on operations.Ã

No, defending our sovereignty is not ‘appeasement’ — a response to Alexander Downer

What worries Paul Keating and me about the wildly expensive AUKUS submarine project is the abdication of sovereign agency it necessarily involves, and which Alexander Downer frankly admits.

Gareth Evans

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Why AUKUS is not in Australia’s interests – a response by Labor’s elder statesmen

Paul Keating, Bob Carr and I seem to have jangled a few security establishment nerves with our critique of the AUKUS submarine deal.

Gareth Evans

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/gareth-evans