Many of the systems on the Collins Class are part of integration projects between US weapons systems manufacturers and Oz. I come from the position that companies perhaps shouldn't outsource critical features of their business. But yes we need to have these pieces of equipment now- this may require expeditious processes for the time being. We should try to keep the ASC infrastructure chugging along and developing it's capabilities over time.

host a US naval base here, and have their submarines patrol from here.

might be cheaper

And what are the odds that only tourist submarines will be manned by 2040/50.?

Chris Lewis,

Why not. Apparently we are going to have more US troops and aircraft here. However, there is probably a limit to how much they stretch themselves.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, was not the Russian mafia going to sell a sub to the South American drug cartel? The ideal vessel to transport drugs to the US. We should have a couple of old tubs to sell.

Fortunately US nuclear subs have been visiting Australia's submarine base, just south of Perth, for years.

See my article on that http://gentleseas.blogspot.com/2015/05/us-nuclear-subs-that-temporarily-docked.html

An increase in US and UK nuclear submarine visits is very possible.