[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Maybe because US submarines are nuclear and buyers prefer the new diesel-electrics?

Probably so. Aren't the French vehemently anti-nuclear?

[jjotto]

French seem less anti-nuke than Americans. The issue with nuke submarines is cost, I think. US wants big, long distance deepwater subs. Most buyers seem to want smaller, stealthier, (and cheaper) subs for more defensive use.

Just casual observations by me. There are FReepers who really know this stuff.

[naturalman1975]

Yes, the issue is the engine plants. There’s too much anti-nuclear sentiment in Australia for nuclear boats to be an option. It’s getting better but it’s hard enough convincing the left hand side of Parliament we even need to spend money on conventional submarines.

[A Formerly Proud Canadian]

All French Navy subs are nuclear, but I don’t believe they sell nuke powered vessels to other countries, even allies.

[dfwgator]

Aren't the French vehemently anti-nuclear?

Tell that to Greenpeace.