{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6461aa4dcd2b40001119e5eb/6720186504763fc0c8acadd3?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Episode 69","description":"<ul><li>In this episode we have some truly stunning – and worrying – information that the rate of US nuclear powered submarine construction is slowing down, not speeding up.&nbsp;The information is on the public record and comes from the CEO of Electric Boat, Phebe Novakovic in a briefing for shareholders.&nbsp;The problem is with the supply chain – companies manufacturing critical components cannot keep up with the required rate and as a consequence both the Columbia class SSBNs and Virginia SSNs will be delayed.&nbsp;This must be worrying news for the RAN – and it seems astounding that there has been no reporting of note in Australia about a development that could completely derail AUKUS Pillar One.&nbsp;The US also seems to be counting on Australia lifting Defence expenditure so that it can afford these submarines without cutting other capabilities – but that is exactly what has already started to happen.&nbsp;Finally, Defence officials have once again managed to get their way and have hounded German shipbuilding company Luerssen out of Australia.</li></ul><p><br></p>","author_name":"APDR"}