Biden announces nuclear-powered submarines for Australia
President Joe Biden and the leaders of Australia and the United Kingdom have announced that Australia will buy nuclear-powered attack submarines from the U.S. to modernize its fleet
By ZEKE MILLER and DARLENE SUPERVILLE
Published - Mar 13, 2023, 07:36 PM ET
Last Updated - Jun 22, 2023, 04:31 PM EDT
SAN DIEGO (AP) — President Joe Biden and the leaders of Australia and the United Kingdom on Monday announced that Australia will purchase nuclear-powered attack submarines from the U.S. to modernize its fleet amid growing concern about China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific.
The partnership, announced in 2021, enables Australia to access nuclear-powered submarines, which are stealthier and more capable than conventionally powered vessels, as a counterweight to China's military buildup.
Biden, appearing sensitive to tensions with China and its criticism of the deal, stressed that the submarines are “nuclear powered, not nuclear armed.”
