They’re not concerned about a “security partnership.”
they’re pissed they got screwed out of a $$ multi-billion submarine order they thought was in the bag.
Are French munitions any good?
I know their cars have always been known for a good suspension but lousy reliability.
The Aussies would be better served buying decommed Los Angeles class submarines than French-built stuff. MX contracts are a b#tch. A 30-y.o. sub would have the kinks fixed on it and plenty of upgraded, proven equipment. Throw in a pair of new props and call it a deal.
I have it on good authority that when Spain was about to close a deal with the USA on a weapon system the French government reached out and said "remeber those Basque seperatist terrorists that are your number one national priority to find? And how you ask us all the time if any of them are in France and we always said no? Well we might be able to find them here after all .... if you bought our system."
Despicable "ally"