Underwater Deterrence

I thought this was the most interesting development last week in the Pacific. From the AP.

Russia's Interfax news agency quoted an unnamed Defense Ministry official as saying Russia will sell Vietnam six diesel-electric "Project 636" Varshavyanka submarines for a total of $2 billion. The submarines are also known by their NATO nickname, "Kilos."

A quick check around the region.

Vietnam orders 6 Kilo class submarines.
Indonesia purchased 2 submarines from Russia earlier this year.
Malaysia received the first of 2 submarines from France earlier this year.
South Korea ordered 6 more U-214s earlier this year.

Then you have Japan in their always impressive submarine program and Australia already looking into Collins class replacements. At the same time, India is going nuclear with their submarine force.

In other words, the platform at sea of choice to deter China is the submarine. Not surprising, but 2009 was the year one could point to that made it official.