Why a submarine changes the Slava calculation

Could a Slava-class cruiser threaten Australian surface forces by appearing off the coast?

Its presence would matter, but a capable nearby submarine would be a serious constraint; the larger issue is whether a navy has enough submarines to sustain that deterrent.

The exchange separates the professionalism of Russian sailors from confidence in their ship's combat readiness. A Collins-class submarine is presented as the more consequential local counter to a Slava off Australia. That deterrent works only if enough submarines exist to keep one available, a problem also raised for Britain. The example is about undersea uncertainty and force availability rather than a simple surface-firepower comparison.