Defence procurement bungles and wins

[DJC]

Serious question, could one of you ex Navy/Military dudes explain to a layman (moi) how such a huge investment on Subs make us safer/stronger defensively? I would have thought state of the art bombers, fighters and aircraft carriers would be the go.

We have state of the art multi-role aircraft but their range is limited.  There aren't many specialised bombers in production these days and the US operates their bombers from Australian bases.

Aircraft carriers are expensive and very vulnerable to attack.  You would need a naval task force to protect your carrier from enemy submarines, aircraft, missiles, etc.  Losing your carrier(s) to enemy action would be devastaing. That's why there are very few genuine aircraft carriers in service; USA - 11, France - 1, Italy - 2, Japan -2, China - 2, UK - 2, India - 1, Russia - 1, Spain -1.  Technically, we could convert our two helicopter carriers to aircraft carriers but, apart from requiring new aircraft, that would mean more surface ships and submarines for protection.

Nuclear subs have virtually unlimited range and are stealthy.  They carry torpedoes, ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, underwater drones, miniature submarines, special forces; all of which can be deployed while undetectable.