Just remember guys.
'WE' built James Cameron's Submersible to take him 11kms down, up in the Pyrmont Dockyards.
It was the correct design for underwater - not the 'Western' aeroplane style that keeps appearing in their subs.
If you know how water works - you design it like a Fish, not a Bird
(stoopid Westerners!)
We have the capabilities to build an entire fleet of Submarines - but the Government/Military personnel are NOT capable.
We don't really need French, Nipponese, Germanic input (beyond manufacturing some parts).
If only the Australian Govt/Military - looked into our own 'experts' and supported them towards the military 'needs' - I'm sure our best minds could come up with Subs far superior than anything 'out there' currently.
We built a fantastic submarine for 'Science'.
I'm pretty sure we could do so for Military as well.
But, of course - Australia no longer relies on 'self-sufficiency'... just ask the Govt.
James Cameron knew better.
So did NASA at one stage.
Seems everyone believes in us - except our own GOVT
(both NLP & ALP).