The French are NOT HAPPY!

[Herbert Anchovy]

Almost from the off the French deal wasn't working out.

The Australians really wanted nuclear boats and went with the French diesel option because it might be converted. Costs ballooned, deadlines were missed and most crucially promised Australian jobs weren't materialising.

Then the Americans rocked up, looking for a strategic partner in the region and offering a better product. The UK just helped grease the wheels. A minor partner.

The UK absolutely is not a minor partner in this. Whilst other nations have larger navies in terms of numbers, the technological capabilities of the Royal Navy are way in advance of most other nations. The UK recently led the massive combined force of UK, US, Dutch, Canadian, Japanese and New Zealand through the South China Sea. The Aussies know exactly how they’re benefitting from this new relationship, by partnering with probably the 2 most capable navies in the world both in size and technology.