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West Australian
5 hours ago
- Business
- West Australian
Former Royal Australian Navy submariners take the plunge with local craft beer brand Deep Elite Brewing
After working underwater for more than a decade in submarines as part of the Royal Australian Navy, Brydon Maslin and Ryan Wilson are now the crew behind local craft beer brand, Deep Elite Brewing. By coincidence, the Adelaide-born brewers both joined the navy on March 10, 2008 but didn't cross paths until they joined the submarine force in Perth. They worked as marine technicians with the Australian fleet around the world, before settling in WA. Both dabbled in home brewing, before deciding to make beer together and joining local ale enthusiasts club West Coast Brewers. The duo started with basic plastic fermenters before transitioning to a stainless steel brewkit. Not one to do things by half, Mr Maslin soon had 14 taps of beer in his back shed so he could host parties, such as birthdays and Oktoberfest celebrations. They even handed out feedback forms so their mates could share their thoughts on the amateur brews. Mr Maslin jokes that the forms equated to research and development, making those early beers tax deductable. Deep Elite's campaign took what Mr Wilson calls a significant turn when they bought a single canning machine and hand-labeller to make beers for friends and family. 'Their encouragement led us to explore the idea of starting our own brewery,' he said. 'Deep Elite Brewing was born, inspired by our submarine background.' The former submariners secured a wholesale license to brew commercially and began contract brewing at Heroes and Villains, Bright Tank, Limestone Coast and Spinifex Brewery, where Mr Maslin is head brewer and Mr Wilson works on the production line. Their first official release as Deep Elite was a cherry sour, brewed at 3 Rivers Brewery in Mandurah and inspired by Mr Maslin's wife's German heritage. The 38-year-old confessed that he didn't drink beer until he travelled to the Black Forest and one of her relatives told him he'd better learn to love the national beverage. Today, Deep Elite is owned by Maslin and Wilson alongside Lee Tough and non-executive director Alan Donovan. Most investors in the brewery are former submariners, who also turn up to help on canning days when it's all hands on deck. Mr Maslin said their navy background has also helped them launch the nascent brand, as they often supply beers to veterans events. Often featuring seafaring puns and references, Deep Elite beers can be found in around 40 shops and a handful of pubs. Their Xtra Sticky Boy Hazy IPA featuring Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired can art earned high praise at the recent Beer and BBQ Festival in Adelaide. A Deep Elite venue is on the distant horizon, explained Mr Maslin, who is more focused on making the next beer — The Hunt for Red Hoptober, a tribute to the 1990 spy thriller starring Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Only 27 seconds between life and death, Korean war pilot recalls
Twenty-seven seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No. 817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape ... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. After the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring from a decorated 33-year career. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. In the early hours of June 25, 1950, the North Korean People's Army crossed the 38th parallel to invade the Republic of Korea. As North Korean forces streamed towards Seoul, 22 countries joined the United Nations multinational military intervention to defend South Korea, and Australia was among the first countries involved. The Korean War ended on July 27, 1953 when an armistice was signed at Panmunjom. More than 17,000 Australians in the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force served in Korea; 340 Australians died, more than 1200 were wounded, and 30 became prisoners of war. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Twenty-seven seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No. 817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape ... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. After the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring from a decorated 33-year career. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. In the early hours of June 25, 1950, the North Korean People's Army crossed the 38th parallel to invade the Republic of Korea. As North Korean forces streamed towards Seoul, 22 countries joined the United Nations multinational military intervention to defend South Korea, and Australia was among the first countries involved. The Korean War ended on July 27, 1953 when an armistice was signed at Panmunjom. More than 17,000 Australians in the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force served in Korea; 340 Australians died, more than 1200 were wounded, and 30 became prisoners of war. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Twenty-seven seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No. 817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape ... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. After the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring from a decorated 33-year career. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. In the early hours of June 25, 1950, the North Korean People's Army crossed the 38th parallel to invade the Republic of Korea. As North Korean forces streamed towards Seoul, 22 countries joined the United Nations multinational military intervention to defend South Korea, and Australia was among the first countries involved. The Korean War ended on July 27, 1953 when an armistice was signed at Panmunjom. More than 17,000 Australians in the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force served in Korea; 340 Australians died, more than 1200 were wounded, and 30 became prisoners of war. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Twenty-seven seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No. 817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape ... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. After the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring from a decorated 33-year career. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War. In the early hours of June 25, 1950, the North Korean People's Army crossed the 38th parallel to invade the Republic of Korea. As North Korean forces streamed towards Seoul, 22 countries joined the United Nations multinational military intervention to defend South Korea, and Australia was among the first countries involved. The Korean War ended on July 27, 1953 when an armistice was signed at Panmunjom. More than 17,000 Australians in the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force served in Korea; 340 Australians died, more than 1200 were wounded, and 30 became prisoners of war. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra.
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- General
- The Advertiser
'Only 22': Korean war pilot kept cool in face of bomb blasts and enemy fire
27 seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No.817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Read more from The Senior Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. Following the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring following a decorated 33-year career. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. 27 seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No.817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Read more from The Senior Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. Following the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring following a decorated 33-year career. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. 27 seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No.817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Read more from The Senior Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. Following the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring following a decorated 33-year career. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. 27 seconds. That was the fine line between life and death for Royal Australian Navy pilot Norman Lee in Korea. The 95-year-old retired Commodore flew 45 bombing missions for No.817 Squadron during his five-month campaign in the Korean War. The primary objective was to take out roads, railways, bridges and other infrastructure to prevent the enemy from advancing. Read more from The Senior Piloting Fairey Firefly planes that were not suited to dive bombing, squadron members were tasked with flying low to the ground and dropping bombs by eye using 27-second delay fuses. In the early stages of the campaign, the squadron attacked targets in flights of four aircraft, meaning pilots had just 27 seconds to get in, deliver the bomb and get out before their leader's bombs detonated. "I managed to get in within 27 seconds, so I'm obviously still here," he said. Later, as pilots' skills improved, they started attacking targets with single planes. "Later on, I dropped two 1000-pound bombs into the mouth of a tunnel where they used to park the trains at daytime to keep them safe. "I put the two bombs right into the mouth of the tunnel with delay fuses, which allowed me to escape... before it blew up." Dropping bombs under such intense pressure sounds like a terrifying experience, but Norman said he had no fear while flying. "You've got to remember I was only 22. (I never) really had enough experience to be scared." Based on aircraft carrier HMAS Sydney, the squadron operated mainly out of the Yellow Sea, off the west coast of Korea. Despite Norman's lack of fear, the dangers were ever present, with enemy ground fire also a constant threat. Two close friends he had gone through training with were shot down on the same day. Luckily, both survived. Others weren't so lucky. Three crew members lost their lives over the course of the squadron's five-month campaign. One lost control of his plane and spun into the Yellow Sea, another was shot down and crashed into the sea, and a third tried to evacuate his aircraft at low altitude, only for his parachute to fail. Despite the constant dangers, Norman feels fortunate compared to others who served. "If you're going to fight a war, the way to do it is from an aircraft carrier. "I would have hated to be a soldier on the ground. It's nice and clean in the air. If you get the chop, you get the chop." Norman served as a Sub Lieutenant in Korea. Following the war, he went on to command two ships, attaining the rank of Commodore before retiring following a decorated 33-year career. Norman will attend a national service to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Australia's involvement in the Korean War on June 25. The service will take place from 10.30am at the National Korean War Memorial in Canberra. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Scoop
7 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
AUKUS: A Very Antipodean Stupidity
Call it abandonment, anxiety, or just latent stupidity. The messy goo of feelings and fuzzy notions behind Australia's most injudicious strategic decision is yielding its nasty harvest. Conceived by paranoid armchair strategists, flabby think tankers and profligate spenders happy to expend other people's money, the tripartite agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States is rapidly unravelling. Even during the Biden administration, under whose bumbling watch this agreement was hatched, there were doubts. The ogrish price tag (US$239 billion or A$368 billion) that would be billed to the Australian taxpayer; the absurd time schedules (delivery of nuclear-powered submarines by the 2030s and 2040s); the contingencies and qualifications (Congressional concerns about transferring Virginia Class (SSN-774) submarines to the Royal Australian Navy), all pointed to the fact that Canberra had fallen for a lemon, childishly refusing to taste its stinging bitterness. The central point of the tediously named Pillar One of the AUKUS agreement (there is no pillar, one or otherwise), which involves the transfer of US Virginia class boats to the RAN – was always its viability. While President Joe Biden was gradually losing his faculties in the White House, the Congressional Research Service was pertinently noting the obstacles that would face any transfer. The CRS report released on May 22, 2023 was the sort of thing that should have alarmed Australian defence planners, instead of turning them into paid up ostriches dreaming of consultancies. For one thing, it made it clear that Congress was always going to be the one to convince in the matter. 'One issue for Congress is whether to approve, reject, or modify DOD's AUKUS-related legislative package for the FY2024 NDAA [National Defense Authorization Act] sent to Congress on May 2, 2023'. That package included the authorisation for the transfer of 'up to two Virginia-class SSNs to the government of Australia in the form of sale, with the costs of the transfer to be covered by the government of Australia.' There were also weighty doubts about the 'net impact on collective allied deterrence and warfighting capabilities of transferring three to five Virginia-class boats to Australia while pursuing the construction of three to five replacement SSNs for the US Navy'. This is a point that has never gone away. To give, even to an ally, and a perceived advantage yet diminish, however small and fictional, the supposed power of the US submarine fleet, is never going to take place if the annual production of 1.2 Virginia boats remains as it is. Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker was always of the view that 'the AUKUS plan would transfer US Virginia-class submarines to a partner nation even before we have met our own Navy's requirements.' The fact that the Trump administration is now conducting a review of AUKUS can be seen as a mere formality – for those who think formalities smooth matters. The Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles certainly hopes so, calling it 'a completely natural step for an incoming government to take.' That Yankee stronghold of renown in Canberra, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, apes the line with simian consistency: 'It's normal, after a change of government, for a new administration to review existing commitments in the light of new policy priorities: in this case, 'America First'.' But nothing about the Trump government is a formality, or any review's outcome a foregone conclusion. The presence of Undersecretary of Defense Policy Eldridge Colby should be disconcerting to the AUKUS band leaders and comparisons to Britain's own review of the pact by Sir Stephen Lovegrove should be seen as fantastically distant. 'AUKUS,' in Colby's assessment, 'is only going to lead to more submarines collectively in 10, 15, 20 years, which is way beyond the window of maximum danger, which is really this decade.' Putting to one side the warmongering stirring in the latter part of the statement, Colby is certainly not wrong about the time that will elapse before any delivery takes place. Down under, the strategists are scurrying and fretting, a sight that is proving enormously entertaining. But the political classes have only themselves to blame for this pigsty of a conundrum. As former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull notes with snappy precision, the AUKUS agreement is perfectly positioned for the US to not follow through. It can still stick to the letter of the agreement without having to ever transfer a single submarine to Australia, all the time raking in Australian largesse. 'This is because it has always been part of the deal, and part of the US legislation, that the transfer of submarines to Australia is highly conditional.' The legislation in question notes that the President will submit to the relevant congressional committees and leadership a certification no later than 270 days prior to the transfer of vessels that the move 'will not degrade the United States underseas capabilities'; is consistent with the country's foreign policy and national security interests and furthers the AUKUS partnership. That furtherance, however, involves the US ensuring 'sufficient submarine production and maintenance investments' that will meet undersea capabilities; Australia supplying 'appropriate funds and support for the additional capacity required to meet the requirements' under the provisions; and Canberra's 'capability to host and fully operate the vessels authorized to be transferred.' The latest development in this overpriced show shows it up as a series of fictions: for Australia, the boyish hankering for nuclear powered submarines in the first place; for the United States, the fact that it needs more nuclear armed boats in order to look more ridiculous in having an arsenal it can never use. It was the military industrial complex in full song, nourished by expensive games, dubious scenarios and drab excuses for war. With Donald Trump in the White House, the Make America Great Again philosophy mushes the terminology of sweet friends and mortal foes, turning it into the mortar of self-interest. Washington's interests come first, and Australia's own idiotically misplaced interests are barely visible in the White House situation room. Then again, never ask Australian strategic thinkers about their interests, ever the hostage of governing fears and treasured prejudices.
Sky News AU
12-06-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Defence experts warn Australia's armed forces 'languishing', short on firepower due to 'deeply inadequate' military spending
Australia's defence force is weaker than it was before East Timor, is under armoured and short of firepower according to stinging analysis by two of the nation's leading defence experts. With the Prime Minister heading to the G7 in Canada, defence analyst Peter Jennings and Retired Chief of Army, Peter Leahy have both given their thoughts on the AFD and how it stacks up. A break down by Sky News of regional power players also lays out Australia's fragile capabilities despite numerous governments talking up potency, reliability and acquisitions. 'We are in a very dangerous strategic situation now,' said Peter Jennings, from Strategic Analysis Australia. It's a sentiment shared by Retired Lieutenant General, Peter Leahy. 'In the case of the Australian Army I was the Chief from 2002 to 2008. If I look at the army now it is smaller than what it was then. It's not as capable. It has less armoured protection and recruiting is really quite difficult,' said the former Chief. A former senior naval officer who wished to remain anonymous affirmed the Royal Australian Navy was down on the missile firepower it had 30 years ago – leaving it short of ships and under-gunned. With Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Europe rearming and the Chinese Communist Party intent on achieving hegemony in the region, armouries are growing, and defence budgets are being stretched. This year the United States intends to spend (in Australian dollars) $1.56 trillion on defence. China stated spend is $375-billion although its estimated to more accurately be around $620 billion. It's acquired three aircraft carriers and the world's second largest air force in a little over decade. It's also expanding its nuclear arsenal and is amassing a bespoke fleet to potentially take the democratically governed islands of Taiwan. Japan continues to ramp up its own defence spending, reportedly up nearly ten per-cent year on year to $105-billion. The sum is equal to one-point-eight percent of its GDP. Australia will spend $59 billion. It's roughly two per-cent of GDP with an intention to reach two-point-four per cent by 2034. 'We are facing some difficult times,' said Peter Jennings. 'Up against that level of risk, our defence spending is deeply inadequate… We are just a tiny shade over two per-cent of GDP and you know, that I think was a peace time level spend.' When it comes to combat airpower – fighters, bombers and long-range armed drones, America's force numbers around 3,276. China's air fleet is estimated to be around 2750. It remains highly secretive around the number of long-range drones capable of inflicting damage. Japan's defence force numbers 258. Indonesia's strike force is 116. Australia's modest but capable strike force numbers 108. The Department of Defence was specifically asked how many long-range armed drones Australia has acquired, but in its answer, didn't identify any. It's concerning considering the state of the Royal Australian Navy, which critics believe lags a decade behind in acquisition. Australia operates on a 'three to one' rotation policy meaning its force needs to be divided by three. Consequently, it aims to have two submarines, one destroyer and two frigates available for deployment. Although Australia's two resupply ships are both currently out of action tethering the navy even closer to shore. When it comes to soldiers and marines, China's fighting force numbers more than a million. Indonesia stands around 300,000. Australia's active duty force has shrunken to 28,500. 'The ADF is a professional organisation, sadly I think it's languishing,' said Peter Leahy. 'There's a really solid debate that says we need to spend more money on defence and I agree entirely. But I agree with the Prime Minister and others that it's not just a sum we need to spend, we need to be careful about what we want. How we acquire and how we introduce it into services. 'Everybody is saying it's the most catastrophic circumstances since before the second world war (and) we need to do something …. Action is required.' The former Army Chief dismissed the notion Australians should be scared. 'I don't think there's any reason to be scared …. (but) the public need to be concerned that people are thinking about this.' Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese has publicly sidestepped – if not rebuffed - America's request for Australia to urgently increase the nation's defence spending to three-point-five per cent of GDP, saying 'I think that Australia should decide what we spend on Australia's defence. As simple as that.' 'It's very clear that the Americans think our defence spend is deeply inadequate,' said Peter Jennings. '(US Defense Secretary) Pete Hegseth in Singapore said we should lift it from two per- cent to three-and-a-half per cent. That's a massive increase … So, I think the signal, not particularly coded from the United States is we need to do a lot better.' Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison recently told this reporter, 'We've got to be looking at three per cent. We should be at two-and-a-half per cent as quickly as possible. You know, I'd be saying three-per cent by 2030 … and it's not like we haven't been there before.' Though, it's always easier to talk about where defence spending should be than decide where taxes should increase or what must be cut. In the Second World War Australia's defence spend climbed towards 35 per cent of GDP. It's nothing if not an indication of the financial cost of conflict when diplomacy fails. When it came to opposition, Peter Jennings rebuffed suggestion the outcry amounted to warmongering. 'With the biggest war in Europe since the Second World War, with the Middle East in flame, with China not hiding the fact that it's becoming increasingly aggressive to all of its neighbours, circumnavigating Australia with some of its best military equipment. How could anyone think we are in a benign period and we don't have to worry about these developments,' he said. 'Il's plain for all to see, it's not like you need to have some special security clearance to understand what's going on. We can't afford to be in denial about it,' he said.
