The Japanese plan includes having a dual design centre in Japan and Australia, as well as a training plan under which Australian shipbuilders initially would be trained in Kobe, Japan, before constructing the sub*marines in Australia. If an all-Australian build was chosen by the government, Japan would start with a “mock-up” boat, called Boat Zero, in Australia to allow shipbuilders to learn how to build the new design, rather than make teething mistakes on the first boat of the fleet, as so often happens in first-of-type submarine builds. If a hybrid option were chosen, whereby Japan built the first boat in Japan and the rest in Australia, there would be no need for a mock-up boat in Australia."
I don't think the Mock boat will be built, its just an option to show it is possible to do it all Australian. Its fairly common for first of class to be built overseas, this has happened before with other Australian projects.
But this is what needs to happen. Training, development, support. Leverage of existing industry in Japan, familiar with their construction methods and project style. It needs to be a partnership between Allies not a transaction between businesses.
Japan has a lot of skin in this game. The idea that there would be 12 super conventional subs operating specifically in the region from a capable power is extremely important.
*Speculation zone* -
The fact that the subs are larger is also interesting. I wonder if they will go with the 4 motor option with an additional section for lithium batteries. That would be one hell of a sub. Providing a transit speed above the 216/Collins but just a bit below the super Barracuda.
Could be useful for japan too. As lithium batteries decrease in price they may want to use the larger hull to double the amount of lithium batteries. ?
7 news has a good PR job on HMAS Canberra, like the live fire of Aslav on the deck chained down.
ARE is in testing, now we just need to get the full ARG operational. The Canberras were definitely worth waiting for. Great to see Army/Navy elements working together.