Here’s to balanced analysis on subs, Trump and security

I must take issue with Greg Sheridan and his comments about our Attack-class submarine program (“PM must replace Reynolds with Dutton at Defence, 22/10). Sheridan’s key point — that neither Defence nor our minister has ever justified the commitment of “the largest sum of money in Australian history ... to acquire ... the most complex artefact ever constructed ... on this continent” — is, of course, correct. But he then expresses complete confidence in the announced project. I beg to differ — but not as one of his “uninformed cranks”.

A long time ago, as co-author of the 1994 Defence White Paper, I spent time with the builders of HMAS Collins, the first of our current generation of Australian-built submarines and at that time subject to much laudatory media comment. I’d worked for many years as a test pilot with both of our major aircraft manufacturers, GAF and CAC, which very successfully built our Mirage fighter and Macchi jet trainers, and had been closely involved in the selection of the F/A-18 strike fighter. But I was aghast at what appeared to be a number of looming deficiencies in major elements of the Collins project: the Australian-designed crucially important integrated combat data system, the already obsolete diesel engine, the lack of any water tunnel data to guide the upscaled design, and the periscope, to name a few. Subsequent history showed all of these issues proved difficult and expensive to overcome (the combat data system had to be completely replaced at vast expense).

And now almost the only government rationale expressed for the new Attack-class project is that it will provide long-term employment for a great many workers. As a friend has said: “We’ve committed to spend $90 billion on an as yet undesigned conversion of a nuclear-powered submarine, necessarily much larger to accommodate thousands of tonnes of lead-acid batteries because its diesel engine can’t be used while fully submerged, and all reliant on France. What could go wrong?”

At the least, we deserve to be told a lot more about the range of required submarine capabilities that will be needed in the mid-21st century — by which time all other capable navies will be operating nuclear-powered submarines able to operate much faster, further and longer while fully submerged than our boats.

Air Vice Marshal R.V. Richardson, retired, Yass, NSW

Greg Sheridan’s article “PM must replace Reynolds with Dutton at Defence” (22/10) adds to the escalating commentary on the future direction of our national security; an essential discussion. It could also be argued the time has arrived for ministers overseeing our crucial national security departments, Defence and Foreign Affairs, to be appointments made from the lower house, not the Senate.

David Burt, Peppermint Grove, WA

I admire Greg Sheridan’s intelligent, thoughtful observations and analysis. While not always on the same page, I respect that he delivers opinion, fact based, while always acknowledging diversity of thought. His summations on Donald Trump are positive toward re-election, but delivered warts and all. It is clear from numerous columns Sheridan believes the West, and the US, will be better placed continuing with Trump, rather than Joe Biden.

Along with many quiet citizens of the West, I find it damn nigh impossible to enthuse about Biden. However, I have to take issue with Sheridan: yes, Trump would likely deliver better on the economy and, yes, he stands up to China. But will the US, and the world, be better off with another four years of bitter, ugly division, of leadership (or lack thereof) based on tired prejudices and deliberate, chaotic disruption? Quiet Americans, I hope, think not.

Footnote: Congratulations to The Oz. It’s the go-to news outlet if you want genuine diversity of thought in the Trump era. Think also Paul Kelly, Peter van Onselen, Niki Savva et al for huge swings of opinion. Unlike some media outlets, which wallow in Trump hate with no attempt at balance and have never asked why he got there in the first place.

Bruce Morgan, Noosa Heads, Qld