Nuclear propulsion agreement signed

摘要

Australia has signed an agreement covering the exchange of naval nuclear propulsion information with the UK and US. The agreement comes after the countries unveiled the AUKUS' partnership in September 2021, under which the Royal Australian Navy is to build a new class of nuclear-powered attack submarines. In a statement, the Australian Defence Ministry said the 'Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement' was another important step in Australia's pursuit of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Minister for Defence the Hon Peter Dutton MP said the agreement will further advance consultations by permitting the UK and the US to exchange sensitive and classified naval nuclear propulsion information with a third country for the first time. "This agreement will support Australia in completing the 18 months of intensive and comprehensive examination of the reouirements underpinning the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines," Minister Dutton said. "The UK and the US will be able to share naval nuclear propulsion information with Australia, which they cannot with any other country, in the determination of the optima! pathway to acquire nuclear-powered submarines for operation by the Royal Australian Navy.