I think its written harshly from a preset negative view. Much of its criticisms aren't balanced or could be levelled at other participants. You could replace the word Japanese with French or German and it would be pretty much accurate.
I do think Australia joining the Japanese program will improve the Japanese program. Just like Australia signing up with the Germans or the French would be a big boost to their program.
I do think want the RAN would have in service will be quite different from Soryu, the Japanese have been very upfront about this. This isn't some sort of secret. It would be related but quiet different.
I assume a decision has been made given the noises we have heard and the incoming election.
I do think Australia joining the Japanese program will improve the Japanese program. Just like Australia signing up with the Germans or the French would be a big boost to their program.
I do think want the RAN would have in service will be quite different from Soryu, the Japanese have been very upfront about this. This isn't some sort of secret. It would be related but quiet different.
Not so sure. This is the biggest issue I have with this story. That Soryu is worse than Collins, everywhere, implying that any Australia/Japan sub would then be worse than Collins. I don't think that accurate (or on what basis can you claim!). Its different, in many different areas. Built for very different purposes. Using that logic, Collins is inferior to the preceding Oberon class. After all Sweden had less technology, less know how, smaller size, less builds than the British.To say it in plain English, if the Collins were to fight the Soryu today Collins would kill it every time. And there is no technology offered by Japan to suggest any evolution of the Soryu can change this situation in the future.
I assume a decision has been made given the noises we have heard and the incoming election.