“The precedent set by use of nuclear technologies, and whether this counts as nuclear proliferation given that it is nuclear powered submarines rather than nuclear warheads”
Complicating this, I believe some of the submarines are ballistic missile submarines i.e. they’re adding to Australia’s strike capability, although they won’t have nuclear warheads,which is relevant e.g. in a preemptive attack against a nuclear launch site, with conventional missiles.
Off-topic, but if you’re interested in UK policy and non-proliferation, it’s worth noting that the UK recently announced an increase in the number of nuclear warheads it has, which seems to me to be a clear breach of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. I’ve written about in on the EA forum here:
Complicating this, I believe some of the submarines are ballistic missile submarines i.e. they’re adding to Australia’s strike capability, although they won’t have nuclear warheads,which is relevant e.g. in a preemptive attack against a nuclear launch site, with conventional missiles.
Off-topic, but if you’re interested in UK policy and non-proliferation, it’s worth noting that the UK recently announced an increase in the number of nuclear warheads it has, which seems to me to be a clear breach of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. I’ve written about in on the EA forum here:
Thanks, I’m surprised the UK’s proliferation didn’t get more attention!