Ten Australian T-class submarines would reshape Pacific confidence

If Australia had ten submarines at the start of World War II, what would change?

They would likely be T-class boats, strengthen Australian confidence against Japan, support a northern submarine base, and alter how easily Britain could borrow Australian cruisers.

A force ordered for Australia in the 1930s is assumed to consist of ten British T-class submarines. Their forward torpedo salvo would give Australia substantial striking power against an approaching Japanese force. The panel specifies ten forward tubes, six reloadable and four without reloads. Supporting those boats would also require an established submarine base, probably at Darwin, with stronger local infrastructure and protection. If the submarines were additional to the historical cruiser force, Australia would have a more balanced fleet. Keeping the boats in the Pacific might also make it easier for Britain to borrow Australian cruisers for the European war without leaving Australia feeling stripped of protection.