This deal had it's genesis before China made all it's land grabs on the Spratleys etc. When China did that, a game changer = deal changer, there came an instant

This deal had it's genesis before China made all it's land grabs on the Spratleys etc. When China did that, a game changer = deal changer, there came an instant need for the range that has been cited. France should have taken this this into account and added US/UK technical capabilities into the deal or voluntarily released the Aussies from their deal. Instead the French chose to erect a high horse of broken honor upon which to stand.There were probably quiet consultations, which were rebuffed, before this bold stroke.