Australia submarines - AUKUS - and NPT

Transfer of the nuclear materials in the context of AUKUS and its

safeguards in all aspects under the NPT – Statement to the IAEA Board of
Governors, March 2026. I take the floor on behalf of Australia, the United
Kingdom, and the United States to respond to false narratives about
Australia’s acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered
submarines through the AUKUS partnership. Once again, we have heard
unsubstantiated claims which purposefully mischaracterise a legal and
legitimate use of nuclear power, foreseen by the drafters of the Treaty on
the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and taking place within the
safeguards framework. I reiterate that Australia’s cooperation with the
UK and US on this matter is being undertaken in full compliance with our
respective international obligations under the NPT, South Pacific Nuclear
Free Zone Treaty and its protocols, and Australia’s safeguards agreements
with the IAEA.

 FCO 6th March 2026 

 https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/transfer-of-the-nuclear-materials-in-the-context-of-aukus-and-its-safeguards-in-all-aspects-under-the-npt-statement-to-the-iaea-board-of-governors