Defence procurement bungles and wins

[Gointocarlton]

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.

Thanks DJ. For context, from a weaponry point of view, how much does sub carry? I know nuclear subs can stay submerged for months at a time and can be virtually undetectable, but what sort of weapons payload can they carry compared to say a surface battleship?