Former prime minister Tony Abbott has hinted that a local build for Australia's new submarine fleet could be viable.
In a 3700-word essay published over the weekend in the Quadrant magazine, Mr Abbott acknowledged that while there was sense in a Japanese partnership, the priority was always the best possible submarine for the best possible price.
His government initiated a competitive evaluation process.
The Japanese bid is facing competition from French and German firms.
"As this process has unfolded, it's became apparent that overseas (shipyard) capacity restrictions could make a local build the most viable option after all," Mr Abbott wrote.
It's unclear when the Turnbull government will announce the winning tender.
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