I think you hit the nail on the head, the Koreans are all in, but TKMS cannot fully commit the German government on it's behalf. They are forced to offer the "possibility" of all these secondary effects outside of the submarine itself. I think the only solid advantages TKMS has is it's part supply and training opportunities with other NATO members. to counter that, I don't think they have the scheduling advantage.
As much as I am a fan of the KSS, I will not be sad if we go with the 212CD, it is still a very good sub. However along with the scheduling issue, a change in German government could place restrictions on use once again and that is always my worry with their stuff.
I have a bias towards the KSS-III, but a wider partnership with Germany and Norway is intriguing. Would love to see us join the 3SM Tyrfing program as part of the wider co-operation if we do go with TKMS and the 212CD.
I think the differences are largely cultural. That's just the way Germans are.
As far as the subs themselves, personally I started with a KSS III bias, but am now leaning 212CD. Either way, we are going to get a very good sub.
I think you hit the nail on the head, the Koreans are all in, but TKMS cannot fully commit the German government on it's behalf. They are forced to offer the "possibility" of all these secondary effects outside of the submarine itself. I think the only solid advantages TKMS has is it's part supply and training opportunities with other NATO members. to counter that, I don't think they have the scheduling advantage.
As much as I am a fan of the KSS, I will not be sad if we go with the 212CD, it is still a very good sub. However along with the scheduling issue, a change in German government could place restrictions on use once again and that is always my worry with their stuff.
I have a bias towards the KSS-III, but a wider partnership with Germany and Norway is intriguing. Would love to see us join the 3SM Tyrfing program as part of the wider co-operation if we do go with TKMS and the 212CD.
Dont forget about the jsm-sl as well. Canada likes joint naval weapons development programs.