Australia is described as planning a larger fleet despite Britain's larger economy, population, industrial base and infrastructure. The comparison shifts attention from the missile headline to choices that shape usable force structure. The criticism is that Britain's own procurement decisions account for much of the cost it finds unaffordable. On that reading, recurring planning and purchasing failures are a greater national embarrassment than one openly reported Trident test failure.
Chapter · 3:31-4:15
Australian fleet plans and British procurement choices
Australia's plan for a fleet larger than Britain's prompts criticism of British procurement choices despite Britain's greater economic and industrial resources.