Peter Briggs

Peter Briggs retired from the RAN in 2001 after a 40-year career, specialising in submarines. This included two submarine commands, command of the RAN Submarine Squadron, director of Submarine Policy and Warfare and Head of Submarine Capability Team, established to rectify Collins introduction into service issues. He was the president of the Submarine Institute of Australia from 2006-09 and is a frequent contributor to public debate on Australian submarine matters.

Peter Briggs's recent articles

AUKUS meets reality – UK ‘all in’ a mess (Part 2)

AUKUS meets reality – UK ‘all in’ a mess (Part 2)

Australia is betting on a British program plagued by delays, underinvestment and workforce shortages – a gamble that risks leaving the country without any sovereign submarine capability.

AUKUS meets reality – what's not in the AUSMIN Media Release (Part 1)

AUKUS meets reality – what's not in the AUSMIN Media Release (Part 1)

Despite official assurances, the US submarine program is falling well short of its own targets, raising serious doubts about whether Australia will ever receive the Virginia class submarines promised under AUKUS.

SSN AUKUS – Heading for a quagmire (Part II)

SSN AUKUS – Heading for a quagmire (Part II)

In the first part, I identified the factors mitigating against the sale of 3-5 Virginia class submarines to cover the gap until the arrival of the British designed SSN AUKUS.

The shrinking US Navy submarine force – Implications for AUKUS Pillar 1 (Part 1)

The shrinking US Navy submarine force – Implications for AUKUS Pillar 1 (Part 1)

The US Navy’s attack submarine force had been predicted to reduce to 49 in 2030.

AUKUS on track? No, Australia needs Plan B now

AUKUS on track? No, Australia needs Plan B now

Last Monday’s AUKUS Security forum at the National Press Club heard arguments of those seeking to support the status quo. It was argued that criticism undermines AUKUS and risks turning the possibility that the US will not be able to spare Virginia class SSNs for sale to Australia from an ‘if’ to certainty.

Why does Australia need submarines?

Why does Australia need submarines?

Why submarines? The submarine’s most fundamental, key feature is its stealth. A well-handled, submarine is able to operate without causing fuss, in areas where we do not control the sea or air and gain access to areas denied to more overt platforms, such as ships, aircraft and unmanned aircraft.

AUKUS SSN: A flawed plan heading for the wrong destination

AUKUS SSN: A flawed plan heading for the wrong destination

The AUKUS agreement aims to increase US, UK and Australian submarine capability in the Indo Pacific and the deterrence impact they offer. The current plan will fail for four fundamental reasons.