AUKUS alliance: New nuclear subs infinitely superior

A fleet of nuclear-powered submarines will vastly improve the ability of the Royal Australian Navy to strike at enemy vessels, defence analysts say.

Scott Morrison has lauded the nuclear-powered submarines which Australia will acquire under the AUKUS alliance as having ‘clear advantages’ over their conventional diesel-powered equivalent. Picture: Gary Ramage

A fleet of nuclear-powered submarines will vastly improve the ability of the Royal Australian Navy to strike at enemy vessels, defence analysts say, and will be like upgrading from “propeller-driven aircraft to jets”.

A monumental trilateral strategic partnership between Scott Morrison, US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson will see Australia acquire at least eight nuclear-powered submarines under a once-in-a-generation deal to share nuclear technology.

Aimed at countering rising Chinese influence and belligerence in the Asia-Pacific, the submarines obtained through the AUKUS pact are considered to be significantly superior to the $90bn French-designed Attack class submarine program.

Unlike diesel-powered submarines which require oxygen every few days, Australian Strategic Policy Institute senior analyst Marcus Hellyer said the advantages of having a nuclear reactor meant submarines essentially had “unlimited energy”, enhancing their range, stealth and power.

“Because you’ve also got all of that in their power, you can go much faster. So that means you can get to where you’re operating much faster. And that’s hugely important for Australia,” he told The Australian.