Why Australia's nuclear submarines can hide for months
Nuclear reactors let Australia's AUKUS submarines stay submerged indefinitely without refueling. This gives them stealth over conventional boats.
A submarine's greatest advantage is stealth. Australia's future nuclear-powered AUKUS boats will be far stealthier than the current Collins-class submarines because they don't need to surface.
Conventional submarines run on diesel and batteries, forcing them to surface regularly to draw in air and recharge. Nuclear subs use pressurised water reactors that run for 30-plus years without refueling.
They generate continuous power for propulsion and life support. This means they stay submerged indefinitely, creating uncertainty about their location.
Nuclear boats are also faster, reaching around 30 knots compared to the Collins' 20 knots. They carry more weapons and stay out for at least 90 days or longer, limited only by food supplies.
- 30-plus years
- Reactor lifespan without refueling
- Around 30 knots
- Nuclear sub speed
- 20 knots
- Collins-class speed
- At least 90 days
- Submerged endurance
Why it mattersSubmarines that can hide longer and travel faster improve Australia's security in the contested Indo-Pacific region.
AustraliaAustralia is investing in nuclear submarines as part of the AUKUS agreement to upgrade its defence capabilities.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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