Japan should be flexible in Australian submarine tender: retired Japanese admiral

Mitsubishi and Kawasaki are extremely cautious about current friendship between China and Australia?

Mitsubishi were represented at the Sub Summit and two Vice Admirals - Kobayashi and Koda were both exceptional speakers for the Japanese option case. They were the game changers to the debate, bringing alive the real option of why PM Tony Abbott and Abe might have suggested a Japanese partnership for building the future Australian submarine was a sound and forward thinking option. France, Germany and now Japan are being closely considered as eligible design and building houses for Australia's Future Submarine. Japan can be very proud of the comments and presence of two retired Vice Admirals - Masao Kobayashi and Yoji Koda. Both were exceptional envoys and although, commenting from a personal perspective, did clear any misconceptions or misunderstandings about Japan's capabilities in designing and building large conventional submarines that pack a punch and are quieter than quiet - exactly what a submarine force needs. The Sub Summit was one of the final public forums for the Australian people on the Future Submarine debate. The Defence Minister The Hon Kevin Andrews MP presented for the Prime Minister, the Hon Tony Abbott MP, an outline of the process that the government was implementing to evaluate three main submarine builders. The Australian Opposition Leader, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, outlined that a bi-partisan approach and support from both sides was essential for this major defence project that will last nearly 50 years. These key Australian political leaders opened the Summit which was considered by many as extremely well timed, run and providing the informed debate needed.

The three organising bodies that delivered the Sub Summit where the Hargraves Institute, the lead organisation being The Royal United Services Institute of Australia (RUSI) and SAGE International. German, French, Swedish and Japanese attendance along with major defence primes, industry and supplier attendance assisted in the complete success of the event.

Without doubt, the Japanese presentations and discussions provided by VADMs Koda and Kobayashi were the highlights of the event.

Nothing to do with China. Are they submitting an offer? Chinese subs are considered crap by the way so I very much doubt it.

It's about Australian politics and jobs. No reason the subs can't be partially built there, at least the later ones in an order. (Assuming local workmanship really is up to scratch, and yes, I'm Australian)

Mitsubishi and Kawasaki are extremely cautious about current friendship between China and Australia?

No. Australia wants the submarines to balance East Asia against China. And Mitsubishi and Kawasaki want to gain access to Australian submarine hull plate steel alloy technology.

Mizuame

Japan has the BEST in steel alloy technology.