Germans keen on submarine tender

Specutalion that the government might buy Japanese sub­marines has prompted the German ambassador to press publicly for an international competitive tender for the right to build the ­replacements to Australia’s ageing Collins-class fleet.

Christoph Muller, Germany’s ambassador to Australia since 2011, also said the German government stood ready to ensure any submarine deal with Australia — which could last decades — succeeded, including by providing technical assistance and by helping keep costs under control.

“My government would of course be delighted if a German bid could be submitted to be examined in friendly competition with the bids of other partners,” Dr Muller said, anticipating rival bids from other European countries.

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