Australian commanders to have complete control over nuclear-powered submarines and reactors

Australian Navy commanders will have full operational control over their submarines and the powerful nuclear reactors onboard, despite the potential presence of US or UK engineers. Key points: US or UK personnel may go to sea on Australian nuclear submarines Australian technicians will understand "every detail" of how the reactors work Construction in Adelaide shipyards may begin by end of 2020s Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, chief of the AUKUS submarine taskforce, has rejected criticisms that the nuclear propulsion program, based on US technology, would undermine Australian sovereignty. Vice Admiral Mead said Australia would, however, be sending people to US "design facilities" so we would understand "every element of detail of that reactor". Asked what would happen to an Australian nuclear-propelled submarine that was hit by a missile, Vice Admiral Mead said he could not reveal the technical details but that "nuclear-powered submarines are designed for exacting standards". Pressed on whether conventional submarines would be quieter for closer operations, Vice Admiral Mead said under some circumstances nuclear submarines could be "just as quiet".