Nuclear Submarines to Be Australia’s ‘Moonshot’ Moment

A nuclear propulsion Ohio class submarine, the USS Florida sails on Jan. 22, 2003 off the coast of the Bahamas. Australia as part of the AUKUS deal will get the tech for nuclear powered subs. David Nagle/U.S. Navy/Getty Images

Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines has been branded a “moonshot” moment, with the technology to underpin defence capability for decades to come.

The Royal Australian Navy will acquire at least eight nuclear boats, based on a British or American model, to replace the retiring conventionally powered Collins-class submarines.