The news organization underlines that Australian Defense Minister David Johnston has confirmed that the government is evaluating all the proposals received to supply the Australian fleet with new submarines: from Japan to Germany, from Sweden to France
Japan has put into production the "Soryu" class in the 2005, with the entry into service of the first boat in 2009. To date, seven submarines are in service and three are in production. Precisely the latest air-independent electric diesel-powered models have reached a cost of 60 billion yen (514 million dollars) per specimen. Compared to the "Oyashio" class submarines, the "Dragons" (Ryu means dragon), have greater autonomy, speed and elusive capacity than enemy detection systems.
Japan has an excellent reputation for producing high quality systems (with delivery on schedule) and with low costs, but it would be the first external order for submarines. Possible billionaire order which, however, could precipitate the already precarious structure of the Region.
The biggest criticisms from the Australian home front. According to the Defense Association, Japanese technology is not that vital to Australia's strategy. For the Canberra government, however, Japan has acquired the necessary know-how for the construction of conventional submarines capable of meeting Australian needs. Specifically, the new Japanese submarines would be powered by an innovative lithium ion system.
However, the Australian-Japanese military agreement would risk aggravating tensions between Canberra and Beijing. Indeed, behind this operation there seem to be Americans who have every interest in praising a military agreement between Australia and Japan: the relationship between the two main US allies of the Region, in fact, would be strengthened. Finally, without considering the new position of Japan that will inevitably shift the balance to the Region.
The Japanese "Dragons"
The "16SS" or "Soryu" is a new class of Japanese diesel-electric-powered attack submarines. The design is inspired by the "Oyashio" class, although it is highly modified. The first submarine entered service in the 2009. It takes the name of the aircraft carrier of the Japanese imperial navy, the "Soryu" (Blue Dragon), sunk in the battle of Midway. The Navy plans to have ten units in service, each of which will carry a name of a mythological creature of the Japanese tradition.
The "Soryu" is much larger than the "Oyashio". The boats are 84 meters long and nine meters wide. They can reach a depth (test) of 500 meters at a maximum speed in immersion of twenty knots. The crew is made up of 65 sailors. The shape of the hull is made of high-strength steel and is covered with an anechoic coating to reduce the reflection of acoustic waves.
_arrives_at_Joint_Base_Pearl_Harbor-Hickamb2.jpg)
One of the characteristics of the "Soryu" is the computerized X control plan, used for the first time on the Swedish "Gotland". This computerized main navigation system gives the submarine extreme maneuverability and the ability to operate near the seabed. The level of automation achieved on board is extremely high, which translates into a reduced human presence on board.
The Soryu class is equipped with six 533 mm torpedo tubes for the "Type 89" torpedoes and for UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The Soryu diesel-electric submarines are built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation exclusively for Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Franco Iacch
(photo: US Navy)
