Does Australia Need Nuclear Attack Submarines?

[Onkel Neal]

Does Australia Need Nuclear Attack Submarines?

Australia obtains maximum benefit and deterrence by exploiting a submarine’s stealth to gain access to sensitive areas, where we don’t control the sea surface or air above it, for intelligence gathering or striking key targets afloat or ashore. These areas are a long way from Australia, necessitating long transits and will be increasingly heavily protected.

Australia would require the ability to ensure and oversee the safe operation of such a force. I do not believe that the Australian public would accept the notion of delegating this to another nation under a leasing agreement.

Can Australia afford nukes, is more to the question, I think. Do they have the defence budget for this?