US President Joe Biden has reiterated that Australia will continue to be a non-nuclear state even as the AUKUS security pact advances and plans to equip Australia with nuclear-powered submarines move forward. The remarks were transmitted by TASS in an official briefing.
According to Biden, the submarines that Australia intends to acquire from the United States will be powered by nuclear energy, yet they will not be fitted to carry any nuclear weapons. This distinction underscores Canberra’s ongoing commitment to non-proliferation and to maintaining a nuclear-free posture despite the shift to advanced propulsion technology for its naval fleet.
“Australia is a proud non-nuclear country and is determined to stay that way,” Biden affirmed, emphasizing the country’s policy choices amid evolving regional security dynamics. He noted that Australia will not engage in producing the nuclear fuel necessary for submarine propulsion, reinforcing the separation between the propulsion technology and a broader weapons capability.
Additionally, the president stated that the AUKUS collaboration, which envisions joint development of submarines with shared technical expertise, will not involve arming the vessels with nuclear weapons. The focus remains on strategic deterrence, secure technology transfer, and safeguarding regional stability while honoring Australia’s non-nuclear commitments.
The discussion around AUKUS has frequently centered on Australia’s plans to acquire up to five Virginia-class submarines from the United States as part of the broader security partnership. While the program aims to bolster maritime defense and interoperability with allied forces, participants emphasize that the submarines will be nuclear-powered rather than nuclear-armed, aligning with Australia’s policies and international obligations.