A 'nuclear weapon' is something that is fired, dropped or set off; it is not an engine in a submarine that we don't have, and might as well never have if the first one is due in 2040; so, it might as well be powered by rubber bands. How about clockwork, or the battery out of a Hundai EV? For our ridiculous politicians, the thing is only thought of as a job-creating opportunity for Adelaide - nothing to do with defence.

These same ridiculous politicians won't countenance nuclear power, let alone weapons, preferring windmills, which are said to have been around since the 7th. Century. Cutting edge!

The ridiculous politicians will inevitably have to bow down to China, because we sure as hell can't defend ourselves.

"These same ridiculous politicians won't countenance nuclear power, let alone weapons, preferring windmills, which are said to have been around since the 7th. Century. Cutting edge!"

ttbn You and I know that sooner rather than later, the penny will drop and these same ridiculous politicians will have to embrace nuclear power by the multi Gigawatts when the blackouts caused by next round of shutting down the coal fired power stations happens. People like Binoy will just have to grin and bear it. Building the replacement nuclear stations on the sites of the old coal fired stations will avoid the expense of the new power lines from the obsolete wind farms and solar arrays. Some of Alan's MSR Thorium reactors might be a reality by then.
David

Nuclear proliferation is a horse that has already bolted from the stable. Moreover, some very hostile totalitarian states are nuclear armed as we should be, given we are in the crosshairs of at least one! To think otherwise, self delusional!

We can live as free men and women on our knees begging for it or like Ukraine, on our feet fighting for it! Nuclear power can be dangerous, but that is only conventional nuclear power!

MSR thorium on the other hand is safer than coal, cheaper than coal and carbon free to boot! And MSR technology can also be re-tasked with burning nuclear waste until all the unspent fuel in it (around 90-95%) is spent! With what's left eminently suitable as long-life space batteries.

Further, MSR technology can burn weapons grade plutonium until it is all gone! And that should be the goal when the world comes to its senses and rids itself of all the madmen in power, who would have it otherwise!

A bullet in the brain ensures they cannot return and repeat past crimes and abuse of power!

Think, if Herr Hitler had been shot instead of being imprisoned, millions of innocent lives could have been spared, Whole cities not demolished and treasure retained!

The war in Ukraine is costing many billions and massive property damage, with thousands of civilians killed or made homeless! But the Ukrainians wouldn't have any other way and for them the price they pay for freedom or not becoming the slaves of a totalitarian nuclear armed state!

Sitting on hands/burying head in sand or somewhere warm and comfortable, wishing it were otherwise, pretty pointless!

Simply put, we need to arm ourselves with the very weapons and technology that threatens our bought and paid for in blood, way of life and freedom!
Alan B.

Binoy

You fail to convince.

If Australia wants to be truly independent in foreign and defence policy terms

Australia needs to build its own Nuclear Deterrent against the likes of China and Russia's Pacific Fleet.

Nuclear powered, nuclear armed subs are the best platforms

for a second strike deterrent. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_strike

Belgorod was commissioned yesterday.

Russia’s ‘Largest-Ever Submarine’ Pressed Into Service; Could Be Loaded With Spy Subs, Nuclear Torpedoes
http://eurasiantimes.com/russias-largest-ever-submarine-pressed-into-service-could/

The Belgorod was laid down in 1992 so the design of the frame is essentially more than 30 years old. While it will have more modern equipment it is certain to be far behind the modern western Subs.

I guess that this announcement is to compensate for Russia being kicked off snake island.