10^th January 2022-MIDAS had a session with Commander Michael Doncaster, Acting Defence Advisor and Rebecca Perkins, Second Secretary Defence of Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur.

He shared MiDAS his brief on the Australia’s decision perspectives to acquire nuclear-powered submarines and AUKUS due to policy response of Australia’s strategic environment. This decision was driven by a consideration of the strategic circumstances and the impact this has on Australia’s submarine capability requirements. He repeatedly mentioned that Australia’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation is unchanged and Australia does not and will not seek nuclear weapons. Australia remains a non-nuclear weapon state with an obligation under the Non-Proliferation Treaty not to acquire nuclear weapons.

Finally, he said that the decision for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines is not about any other nation. It is about what is best for our security and prosperity in a region undergoing rapid strategic change and this is purely about a power source for the propulsion system. We would like to thank Commander Michael Doncaster and Rebecca Perkins for sharing his insights and foresight with us.