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Nuked: The Submarine Fiasco that Sank Australia’s Sovereignty
The spectacular fallout from Australia's duplicitous AUKUS deal
Like all military acquisition programs worth billions of dollars, Australia's decision to buy a new submarine fleet was expected to be a torturous process. But no one could have predicted the trail of wreckage it left behind, from the boulevards of Paris to the dockyards of Adelaide, as deep inside the Australian Government a secret group conspired to overthrow the winning French bid.
In this tale of treachery and intrigue, Andrew Fowler exposes the lies and deception that so outraged the President of France. Interviewing many of the main players and talking to sources in Paris, London, Washington and Canberra, Fowler pieces together the plot to sink the French and switch to a nuclear-powered US submarine - a botched operation that severely compromised Australia's ability to defend itself.
Like all military acquisition programs worth billions of dollars, Australia's decision to buy a new submarine fleet was expected to be a torturous process. But no one could have predicted the trail of wreckage it left behind, from the boulevards of Paris to the dockyards of Adelaide, as deep inside the Australian Government a secret group conspired to overthrow the winning French bid.
In this tale of treachery and intrigue, Andrew Fowler exposes the lies and deception that so outraged the President of France. Interviewing many of the main players and talking to sources in Paris, London, Washington and Canberra, Fowler pieces together the plot to sink the French and switch to a nuclear-powered US submarine - a botched operation that severely compromised Australia's ability to defend itself.
224 pages, Paperback
Published July 2, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 7, 2024
Absolute page turner providing additional details around Australia's decision-making on nuclear submarines - though probably closer to a 3.5...
The account is captivating - and, as a stinging criticism of Australia's recent history of decisions on submarines, sits well within a key strand of Australian strategic and Defence thinking - that Australia needs greater self-reliance and independence, ideas developed by Hugh White, Allan Behm, and Sam Roggeveen
The book isn't perfect - for example, I thought some of the footnotes that support the more surprising claims to be somewhat more dubious. The book needlessly rehashes common progressive gripes (the Whitlam dismissal, for example) which detracts from its main thrust, and sometimes devolves into asking multiple questions in a row rather than presenting analysis. And there's a creeping cynicism in the book's tone, which seems to culminate in Chapters 6 and 7, easily the weakest of the book, which rely more on hazy assertion and, in part, flawed deductions based on the author's misunderstanding of how Australia's FOI exemptions are generally applied.
That said, I finished the book in one sitting. It was well written, like the author's previous books, with clear, compelling and high quality analysis in the most part - in particular, explaining the unique value proposition of the French submarines and, more broadly, the French strategic partnership for Australia, as well as piecing together the evidence to argue constructive knowledge - that the US knew both that Labor would be wedged by AUKUS and that the French had not been informed of the AUKUS submarine deal, and yet still agreed to the AUKUS announcement going ahead.
What's best about the book, though, is the quality of its unique interviews with key players, including Australia's ambassador, French interlocutors, and Australian defence and intelligence officials. These add colour and detail in a way no other book has achieved as yet.
A good read!
The account is captivating - and, as a stinging criticism of Australia's recent history of decisions on submarines, sits well within a key strand of Australian strategic and Defence thinking - that Australia needs greater self-reliance and independence, ideas developed by Hugh White, Allan Behm, and Sam Roggeveen
The book isn't perfect - for example, I thought some of the footnotes that support the more surprising claims to be somewhat more dubious. The book needlessly rehashes common progressive gripes (the Whitlam dismissal, for example) which detracts from its main thrust, and sometimes devolves into asking multiple questions in a row rather than presenting analysis. And there's a creeping cynicism in the book's tone, which seems to culminate in Chapters 6 and 7, easily the weakest of the book, which rely more on hazy assertion and, in part, flawed deductions based on the author's misunderstanding of how Australia's FOI exemptions are generally applied.
That said, I finished the book in one sitting. It was well written, like the author's previous books, with clear, compelling and high quality analysis in the most part - in particular, explaining the unique value proposition of the French submarines and, more broadly, the French strategic partnership for Australia, as well as piecing together the evidence to argue constructive knowledge - that the US knew both that Labor would be wedged by AUKUS and that the French had not been informed of the AUKUS submarine deal, and yet still agreed to the AUKUS announcement going ahead.
What's best about the book, though, is the quality of its unique interviews with key players, including Australia's ambassador, French interlocutors, and Australian defence and intelligence officials. These add colour and detail in a way no other book has achieved as yet.
A good read!
February 11, 2025
Bought it because it seems buzz wordy atm and wanted to learn more. It’s pretty readable and super interesting even for someone without a politics background. Struggled to know if it was biased or not and slightly boring at times so 3.5
July 14, 2024
Great and terrifying. The details of how proUS elements of the govt scuttled an independent FP through acquisition of French subs was amazing. The details on the US bases is only second to Tooheys book. But he was way too soft on ALP for continuing this mess.
Read
August 4, 2024This is only an aside, really, but it always irks me when criticism of Aukus (which I generally agree with!) writes off regional concerns as like, 'see our neighbours are worried too.' if we believe that we should become less reliant on the UK and the US and more friendly with southeast Asia, why do we never speak to them? Not even a whisper from Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur in here despite plenty of coverage. Very weird to me. I think we use Southeast Asia as a wedge (hey, recurring theme!!!) to critique the right but fundamentally do not understand or care about it about that's grot.
July 4, 2024
Andrew Fowler’s latest book is an analysis of how AUKUS (the secretive trilateral security arrangement with the US and UK) came about and what it might mean for Australia’s security. He doesn’t pull any punches from the outset - the cover calls it a “fiasco”. The book is mainly about the recent history of Australia’s largest military purchase - the submarine acquisition.
“Nuked” is a major contribution to understanding how an anti-nuclear country came to purchase nuclear submarines and why they were re-named “Attack” class. We do not know where they will be deployed, but according to Andrew, the reason for such long range vessels is the ability to support a US attack on China. In the absence of any real debate or media scrutiny of a secretive decision, this book is a welcome counterpoint that highlights the potential risks of putting political ego before strategic planning.
See the full review at: https://www.queenslandreviewerscollec...
“Nuked” is a major contribution to understanding how an anti-nuclear country came to purchase nuclear submarines and why they were re-named “Attack” class. We do not know where they will be deployed, but according to Andrew, the reason for such long range vessels is the ability to support a US attack on China. In the absence of any real debate or media scrutiny of a secretive decision, this book is a welcome counterpoint that highlights the potential risks of putting political ego before strategic planning.
See the full review at: https://www.queenslandreviewerscollec...
August 30, 2024
About a recent tumultuous effort to acquire some public assets for the purpose of Australian national security, although sometimes I worry I'm the only one who thinks that. But no biggie, it just effects the next four decades of defence procurement. The book is brief, but does paint an outline of the situation to date. Surprisingly well referenced despite the inherent secrecy of the subject. The author has no problem making his own opinion clear, but he also includes the opinions of many other key people involved. The biggest downside of the book is that when you read it you'll probably end up on a government list somewhere, but it might not be your government so that's not so bad.
October 27, 2024
Interesting story of political deception and the Coalition’s hell-bent wish for the Australian military to be aligned further with the US. Submarines at eye-watering costs, uncertainty over delivery dates, without a nuclear industry to maintain them (thereby needing the supervision of the UK or UK) “improves our strategic and sovereign interests”. Not sure about that…
October 8, 2025
by Andrew Fowler (no photo)Finish date: 09.10.2025
Genre: Australian non-fiction
Rating: B
#NonFicNov25
Good News: Very informative...but at times just textbook dull. There are tidbits of info that amazed me...but you have to look for them! Australian think tank - funded by US Dept. of Defense (...that's strange) -- Australia gives away its leverage....by deepening its alliance with USA. -- Reveals PM Morrison's secret mission to sink the French deal for AUKUS -- Australia's future is more than ever dependant on whoever is in the White House!
Bad News: The book is a slow burn (ch 1-7) but improves! (ch 8-12)...so don't give up!
Personal: Whatever you hear about the meeting between Trump and PM Albanese 20 Oct 2025 about AUKUS deal ...the USA is calling all the shots! It is true...Australia's sovereignty is sinking. Australia had no more leverage,...they have to take whatever the US is offering. This book is enlightening and shows us (...among other tidbits of info) what really was going on behind closed doors... at secret meeting with PM Scott Morrison, PM Boris Johnson, President Biden and Sec. of State Anthony Blinken June 2021 in Cornwall at the G7. I don't think this book will win The Australian Political Book of the Year...but I could be wrong.
July 21, 2024
Detailed expose of corruption within the Morrison Government in pursuing a hidden agenda to introduce nuclear power into Australia and lock in closer alignment with the military and economic objectives of the United States
“Morrison covertly laid the groundwork for long-desired objectives of the right wing within the Liberal Party: the introduction of nuclear power in Australia and a closer alignment with the United States. The issue of Australia's sovereignty appeared to be disregarded entirely”
Fowler lays bare the Morrison Government’s:
• duplicity in undermining the French submarine contract
• failure to justify to the Australian community the cost or cost benefit of AUKUS from a sovereignty, defence, commercial or international relations perspectives.
Fowler's valuable contribution to public discourse is crucial given the complicity of the Albanese Government and Defence Minister Richard Marles in blindly implementing AUKUS.
Nuked doesn’t specifically address whether AUKUS, like RoboDebt, is unlawful.
Nuked does confirm another example of the appalling legacy of the most corrupt Australian Government since Federation.
“Morrison covertly laid the groundwork for long-desired objectives of the right wing within the Liberal Party: the introduction of nuclear power in Australia and a closer alignment with the United States. The issue of Australia's sovereignty appeared to be disregarded entirely”
Fowler lays bare the Morrison Government’s:
• duplicity in undermining the French submarine contract
• failure to justify to the Australian community the cost or cost benefit of AUKUS from a sovereignty, defence, commercial or international relations perspectives.
Fowler's valuable contribution to public discourse is crucial given the complicity of the Albanese Government and Defence Minister Richard Marles in blindly implementing AUKUS.
Nuked doesn’t specifically address whether AUKUS, like RoboDebt, is unlawful.
Nuked does confirm another example of the appalling legacy of the most corrupt Australian Government since Federation.
October 10, 2024
This book clearly shows politicians in our country do not work for the people who voted for them. Morrison's behavior can only be defined as treasonous and Albanese's behavior can only be defined weak and spineless. Neither of these men who we pay to act in Australia's best interest had any requirement from the Armed forces for a Nuclear sub, this was Morrison's desire and Albanese (too scared he would be seen by Morrison as weak on national security) did nothing to help the public avoid this expensive, sovereignty destroying and disastrous deal with the US.
October 16, 2024
This is a great first analysis of how the disastrous decision in Australian foreign policy in recent memory, AUKUS, came to fruition. In reading this book, however, it is worthwhile to have a healthy dose of scepticism given how many of the sources are anonymous or based upon material which one of presumed to be classified, as well as the author’s willingness to accept conspiracy theories (i.e. CIA involvement in the Whitlam dismissal). Overall however, definitely worth reading.
August 24, 2024
Contains many factual inaccuracies along with some extraordinary claims which are unsourced. It is as if the author started with a conclusion - AUKUS bad - and worked backwards to formulate an argument to support it. Given all that, it is still a worthy read.
September 8, 2024
A detailed account of Australia's strategic shift from conventional, French-powered submarines to AUKUS nuclear-powered subs. Provides a detailed account of the decisions and conversations, and provides insight on implications for Australia's sovereignty / foreign affairs posture
September 8, 2024
Sadly not as well sourced as claimed…
July 24, 2025
This one is interesting, I like it
July 7, 2024
Absolute page turner providing additional details around Australia's decision-making on nuclear submarines - though probably closer to a 3.5...
The account is captivating - and, as a stinging criticism of Australia's recent history of decisions on submarines, sits well within a key strand of Australian strategic and Defence thinking - that Australia needs greater self-reliance and independence, ideas developed by Hugh White, Allan Behm, and Sam Roggeveen
The book isn't perfect - for example, I thought some of the footnotes that support the more surprising claims to be somewhat more dubious. The book needlessly rehashes common progressive gripes (the Whitlam dismissal, for example) which detracts from its main thrust, and sometimes devolves into asking multiple questions in a row rather than presenting analysis. And there's a creeping cynicism in the book's tone, which seems to culminate in Chapters 6 and 7, easily the weakest of the book, which rely more on hazy assertion and, in part, flawed deductions based on the author's misunderstanding of how Australia's FOI exemptions are generally applied.
That said, I finished the book in one sitting. It was well written, like the author's previous books, with clear, compelling and high quality analysis in the most part - in particular, explaining the unique value proposition of the French submarines and, more broadly, the French strategic partnership for Australia, as well as piecing together the evidence to argue constructive knowledge - that the US knew both that Labor would be wedged by AUKUS and that the French had not been informed of the AUKUS submarine deal, and yet still agreed to the AUKUS announcement going ahead.
What's best about the book, though, is the quality of its unique interviews with key players, including Australia's ambassador, French interlocutors, and Australian defence and intelligence officials. These add colour and detail in a way no other book has achieved as yet.
A good read!
The account is captivating - and, as a stinging criticism of Australia's recent history of decisions on submarines, sits well within a key strand of Australian strategic and Defence thinking - that Australia needs greater self-reliance and independence, ideas developed by Hugh White, Allan Behm, and Sam Roggeveen
The book isn't perfect - for example, I thought some of the footnotes that support the more surprising claims to be somewhat more dubious. The book needlessly rehashes common progressive gripes (the Whitlam dismissal, for example) which detracts from its main thrust, and sometimes devolves into asking multiple questions in a row rather than presenting analysis. And there's a creeping cynicism in the book's tone, which seems to culminate in Chapters 6 and 7, easily the weakest of the book, which rely more on hazy assertion and, in part, flawed deductions based on the author's misunderstanding of how Australia's FOI exemptions are generally applied.
That said, I finished the book in one sitting. It was well written, like the author's previous books, with clear, compelling and high quality analysis in the most part - in particular, explaining the unique value proposition of the French submarines and, more broadly, the French strategic partnership for Australia, as well as piecing together the evidence to argue constructive knowledge - that the US knew both that Labor would be wedged by AUKUS and that the French had not been informed of the AUKUS submarine deal, and yet still agreed to the AUKUS announcement going ahead.
What's best about the book, though, is the quality of its unique interviews with key players, including Australia's ambassador, French interlocutors, and Australian defence and intelligence officials. These add colour and detail in a way no other book has achieved as yet.
A good read!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews