Originally Posted by
rattman
Submarines are built is sections and assembled together.
Indeed. Many internal modules, like the command deck, are also built separately then slid into the partially assembled hull.
The UK builds SSN & SSBN in a small town in NE England. I fail to see why so many hold the Australians to be incapable of replicating these facilities. True, the reactors and some other internal systems will have to be imported, but the rest is just marine engineering. What's the problem?