SUBS’ RANGE THE ISSUE

THE implications of Polly’s cartoon and Hank Dikkenberg’s letter (Mercury, September 17) suggesting the Collins class submarines have been a failure, are unfounded.

Apart from early technological faults, these vessels have done a great job doing what they were designed to do. The problem now, that in this world of increased tensions, both in the Indo-Pacific regions and elsewhere, the Collins subs’ lack of range to police Australia’s vast coastline and maritime resources and vulnerability when surfaced to recharge batteries, needs to be addressed.

The nuclear submarine will be able to operate far from its land base and for long periods.

Its nuclear power plant will last for the life of the sub and is loaded and unloaded as a locked box. Doug Pigot

Devonport