Naval Modernisation in Southeast Asia, Part Two : Submarine Issues for Small and Medium Navies

This edited volume starts with an account of the submarine in naval warfare and moves on to review the nature and consequences of naval modernisation in Southeast Asia by considering their acquisition by the small and medium navies of the region. It explores the reasons for these navies taking on this very substantial and demanding challenge, the problems they are facing and the consequences of the deployment of submarines for regional stability. Given the backdrop of growing tensions over the South China Sea and increasing competition between the United States and China in the region, will the arrival of submarines in the area help or hinder the cause of peace? This volume will be of substantial interest not just to those interested in submarines and naval development but also to students and teachers concerned about the very volatile developing situation in and around the South China Sea. Contents 5 Abbreviations 7 About the Editors 9 List of Figures 10 List of Tables 11 Chapter 1 Submarines and Their Acquisition: A General Introduction 12 Abstract 12 The Question: Why? 21 The Question: How? 21 The Question: With What Consequences? 22 Chapter 2 Submarine Acquisition in Southeast Asia: The Dangers 25 Abstract 25 Introduction 25 Operational Dangers 26 Maintenance and Support Risks 28 Strategic Dangers 29 Longer-term Dangers 32 Reducing the Risks 33 Chapter 3 Submarine Acquisition in Australia 38 Abstract 38 Australia’s Submarine Capability: The Requirement 38 Australia’s Challenges in Acquiringand Operating Submarines 40 Submarine Acquisitions in the Indo-Asia-Pacific:The Anti-Submarine Warfare Implications 43 The Challenges Facing Regional Submarine Forces 44 The Way Ahead 47 Chapter 4 Submarine Acquisition in Japan 50 Abstract 50 The Success of US Navy Submarine Operations 54 Lessons of IJN’s Failed Submarine and ASW Operations in the Second World War 54 The Postwar Revival of Japan’s Submarine Force 55 The US Alliance: A Strategy of Shield (JSDF) and Spear (US Forces) 56 The Main Mission of JMSDF: SLOCs Protection Supported by ASW Capability 57 Tailored ASW as a Basic Force Building Concept of the JMSDF 58 1960s and 1970s: A Time of Training 59 1970s–1980s: First Real Mission Capable SSKs 60 1970s–1990s: Using Technology to Become a Real ASW Force 60 And After: Fully Matured ASW and Multi-Mission SSKs 61 AIP or the Lithium-Ion Battery: Potential and Problems 63 Conclusion 65 Chapter 5 Submarine Acquisition in Indonesia 68 Abstract 68 Historical Experience 69 Geographical Context 73 Strategic Funnels 77 Challenges and Implications to Regional Stability 81 Conclusion 83 Chapter 6 Submarine Acquisition in Singapore 91 Abstract 91 Introduction 91 Why Submarines for the “Little Red Dot”? 92 Enablers and Constraints 96 Conclusions 99 Chapter 7 Submarine Acquisition in Malaysia 104 Abstract 104 Chapter 8 Submarine Acquisition in Vietnam 115 Abstract 115 Background 115 Russians Return to Cam Ranh Bay Military Port 117 Vietnam’s Kilo-Class Submarines 118 Conclusion 122 Chapter 9 Conclusion 125 Abstract 125 Why Submarines? 127 But, What Are the Challenges? 129 But Problems Persist 131 .... and with What Consequences? 136 Appendix 140 Front Matter ....Pages i-xiii Submarines and Their Acquisition: A General Introduction (Geoffrey Till)....Pages 1-13 Submarine Acquisition in Southeast Asia: The Dangers (Sam Bateman)....Pages 15-27 Submarine Acquisition in Australia (James Goldrick)....Pages 29-40 Submarine Acquisition in Japan (Yoji Koda)....Pages 41-58 Submarine Acquisition in Indonesia (Ristian Atriandi Supriyanto)....Pages 59-81 Submarine Acquisition in Singapore (Collin Koh Swee Lean)....Pages 83-95 Submarine Acquisition in Malaysia (Dzirhan Mhadzir)....Pages 97-107 Submarine Acquisition in Vietnam (Carlyle A. Thayer)....Pages 109-118 Conclusion (Geoffrey Till, Collin Koh Swee Lean)....Pages 119-133 Back Matter ....Pages 135-138 This edited volume reviews the nature and consequences of naval modernisation in Southeast Asia against the backdrop of growing tensions over the South China Sea and increasing competition between the United States and China in the region.