Your point is sound, In fairness there are regional refuel/supply ports, To me the biggest thing is detection, Snorting is/will be problematic with space based, LiDAR, SAR radar, Two weeks AIP still flatten the main battery bank base load, Collins decided against AIP because it didn't extend the underwater that much and the space could be used for more advantage
Australia was a LADS world leader, I don't know where we are now,
Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) | DST
"
In 1996, an improved LADS laser platform was developed for United States Navy use in a P-3 Orion aircraft. In 1998, the new-generation LADS Mk II commenced commercial operations mounted in a de Havilland Dash 8-202 aircraft."
This is what China is claiming in 2019
China has tested a new laser designed to find submarines. This is how it works - ABC News
