Part 8/10:
Addressing the Capability Gap
With the first submarines expected around 2032, Bazulo emphasizes the urgent need to bridge the military capability gap until then. He discusses extending the lifespan of existing Collins-class submarines and considers alternative options, including leasing or deploying unmanned vessels.
He advocates for a proactive approach, suggesting a “Plan B” that might involve a sovereign fleet of unmanned, long-range, medium, and short-range vessels. While these wouldn’t match the versatility of traditional submarines, numbers could compensate — filling critical gaps in Australia’s maritime defense.