Australia Won’t Rule Out Visits by US Ships Carrying Nuclear Weapons: Defence

Australia has stated that it will not permit nuclear weapons to be based on its territory due to treaty obligations. However, it will continue to allow visits by American warships and submarines that are capable of carrying nuclear weapons. The nation respects the U.S. policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence of nuclear weapons on specific platforms.

• Australia will not allow nuclear weapons to be based on its soil.
• Visits by American warships that may be carrying nuclear weapons will continue.
• Treaty obligations prohibit stationing nuclear weapons in Australia.
• These obligations do not rule out visits by U.S. nuclear-capable ships and submarines.
• Australia respects the U.S. policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence of nuclear weapons on specific platforms.