TOKYO (Sputnik) – On Thursday, the Japanese National Security Council approved plans to build for Canberra its next-generation submarines, replacing its aging Collins-class fleet. The contract is estimated at some $36 billion.
Monday is the deadline to submit development plans to compete with Germany and France in securing a contract with the Australian government, Kyodo news agency reported.
On November 22, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said that winning the contract would lead to "operational cooperation between Japan, Australia and the United States."
The Australian government is expected to make its final decision on the builder for its new submarine fleet in 2016.