Japan set to clear the way for Australian submarine bid

By David Wroe, Defence Correspondent
Updated May 7 2015 - 4:19pm, first published 3:48pm
Defence Minister Kevin Andrews has spoken with his Japanese counterpart to urge Japan to participate in the evaluation process to build Australia's next fleet of submarines. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Defence Minister Kevin Andrews has spoken with his Japanese counterpart to urge Japan to participate in the evaluation process to build Australia's next fleet of submarines. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Defence Minister Kevin Andrews has spoken with his Japanese counterpart to urge Japan to participate in the evaluation process to build Australia's next fleet of submarines. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Defence Minister Kevin Andrews has spoken with his Japanese counterpart to urge Japan to participate in the evaluation process to build Australia's next fleet of submarines. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Defence Minister Kevin Andrews has spoken with his Japanese counterpart to urge Japan to participate in the evaluation process to build Australia's next fleet of submarines. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Defence Minister Kevin Andrews has spoken with his Japanese counterpart to urge Japan to participate in the evaluation process to build Australia's next fleet of submarines. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Defence Minister Kevin Andrews has spoken with his Japanese counterpart to urge Japan to participate in the evaluation process to build Australia's next fleet of submarines. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen
Defence Minister Kevin Andrews has spoken with his Japanese counterpart to urge Japan to participate in the evaluation process to build Australia's next fleet of submarines. Photo: Alex Ellinghausen

The prospect of Australia buying Japanese submarines is poised to take a significant step forward with Tokyo expected to agree within weeks to hand over classified technical data on their prized Soryu Class boat.

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