Why Australia desires nuclear-powered submarines | Weapons Information
EXPLAINER
Acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines has been described as ‘the only largest leap’ ever in Australia’s defence capabilities.
United States President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have unveiled a plan that can see Australia purchase nuclear-powered submarines, permitting the nation to grow to be solely the seventh on the planet with such army expertise.
Underneath the deal, Australia will purchase three US Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines from the US by the early 2030s and has an choice to purchase two extra vessels if required.
The submarine settlement is a component of what’s often known as the AUKUS pact — an acronym for Australia, the UK and the US — a safety settlement that was introduced in 2021 by the three international locations and seen as a counterweight to China’s rising army presence within the Asia Pacific.
Buying nuclear-powered submarines below the AUKUS pact is anticipated to be Australia’s biggest-ever defence challenge and the acquisition has been described by the Australian prime minister as “the only largest leap” within the historical past of his nation’s defence capabilities.
Beijing has made no secret of its opposition to AUKUS and stated this month that it “firmly objects” to the pact, accusing the three international locations of harbouring a “Chilly Battle mentality” that dangers higher escalation within the area.
Australia has confused that although their new submarines will likely be nuclear-powered, that doesn’t imply they are going to be carrying nuclear warheads.
So why does Australia need nuclear-powered submarines, and what’s concerned within the deal?
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