He discusses the development of Australian nuclear submarine technologies.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III met with his AUKUS [Australia, United Kingdom, United States] counterparts in London this past week, where the three leaders discussed Australia’s progress toward obtaining its own nuclear-powered submarine.
Only six countries currently have nuclear-powered submarines in their arsenals: the U.S., Russia, the U.K., France, China, and India. Nuclear-powered submarines require very little fuel, can use that fuel to remain powered for close to six months, and are durable enough to last for over 30 years. They are also 50 percent faster than diesel-fueled submarines, the submarine type used by many other nations.
AUKUS is working to aid Australia’s development of its first nuclear-powered submarine. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles, who also serves as Australia’s deputy prime minister, reported that the amount of Australian sailors attending U.S. and U.K. nuclear reactor schools has gone up over the last year, increasing the amount of skilled workers necessary to operate this complex military technology.
“This was just the first step toward ensuring that Australia has a sovereign nuclear-powered submarine capability,” Secretary Austin said after the meeting. “We’re also making progress toward having a rotational presence of U.S. submarines by as early as 2027.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- That Secretary Austin would seek the Lord’s direction as he heads the Defense Department.
- For wisdom for U.S. military officials as they engage foreign defense ministers in planning and coordination.
Sources: Department of Defense, Newsweek, Institute of Marine Engineering, Science, and Technology
