I find it pathetic,the French conventional sub was an unproven sub,even the new 70% completed AUKUS sub is a uncompleted design or proven design. The virginia class is a proven sub which with each new sub has upgrades,a new virginia is planned. Australia already produces virginia class subs thru Austal.. imo anyone with a little commo0n sense could have made the process of production and increased production of the virginia/columbis class easier had we gone all in virginia with maybe a couple of conventional for local waters.Currently the US produces 1.3 subs per year,the US navy wants 2.3 subs per year.(don't take any notice of the DH MSM) Anyway the result will be we have given the UK and US $8 billion to increase 'their' sub industrial base so they will be able to visit Australia more often. What Australia has brought to the table regarding production of the virginia class is not chicken feed if the $5 billion is included ,the Austal US investment,the Australia steel investment and the Australian ASC infrastructure. We just don't get any subs any time soon.
