[Skybird]

I would assume the Australians assessed the likelihood of penetrating deep into Chinese waters versus the likelihood of the Chinese coming into 'Australian interest zones, and found that the shorter legs of a Diesel may find compensation by the result of this assessment. also, the Chinese navy is - not so slowly - changing into a real highb tech navy, and with plenty of subs of their own, The additional stealth of a Diesel also may come handy here.

Finally, its about money. I assume a nuclear design and its maintenance costs more than a Diesel.

Precise data is not known, of course,l but the German 212s can stay submerged for over one and a half month, it was demonstrated some years ago with a long submerged journey down into the south, all done on battery, and I think without snorkeling.

A formidable unpredictability. Already the rumour fo such a boat beign around can bust an enemy aggressive operation, the boat must not even be around for real. You cannot afford to ignore such a threat.