Australia has to decide whether it will go west (with France or Germany) or east (with Japan) vis-à-vis its choice of partner for the next generation of submarines. This project is set to be Australia’s “biggest ever defense procurement programme.”
While all three countries have quite the resume for this position, what will ultimately decide which direction Australia chooses will be the following issues: capability, cost, risk and schedule. In addition, the way that these countries’ systems and software applications collaborate with America – Australia’s alliance partner – will be an additional major consideration.
It could well be that ultimately Australia will decide to go the eastern route. Just last month during its talks with Japan, the military discussed potential design and production issues of the submarines, possibly narrowing down its choice. But nothing is yet set in stone. Proposals are still being welcome from all three countries. And, no matter which country is chosen, much work will still take place in Australia.
One reason China and Russia are not being considered (despite the fact that they are experts in this field) is because Australia does not generally work with these countries in military matters.
Ultimately, price will probably be one of the key determining factors as to which route Australia will ultimately take on this project.