In Pursuit of Nuclear-Powered Submarines: Australia, South Korea, And Japan

Jamie Kwong | APLN

Understanding this expansion of naval nuclear propulsion in the Asia-Pacific requires unpacking a series of questions about why, how, and whether a state without nuclear weapons would seek nuclear-powered submarines. This paper considers each question in turn, examining the strategic, legal, technical, financial, and political factors shaping Australian, South Korean, and potential Japanese SSN ambitions and hurdles to making those ambitions reality. Assessing these issues not only provides deeper insight into these specific projects but can also help inform a deeper understanding of how any future non-nuclear state might think about acquiring this advanced nuclear capability.

Finland joins France's nuclear deterrent initiative

Reuters | September 14, 2026

Finland has joined France's initiative to extend the reach of its nuclear deterrent ​through collaboration with partner European countries, the heads of both ‌countries said on Monday. In response to U.S. President Donald Trump's expressions of concern about the U.S. security commitment to Europe and to the security implications of the Ukraine ​war, France in March announced the Forward Nuclear Deterrence Initiative.

Japanese utility execs resign over falsified quake safety data for 2 nuclear reactors

Mari Yamaguchi | AP

The president of Chubu Electric Power Co., Japan’s third-largest utility, said Monday that he and the chairperson are resigning to take responsibility over the company’s yearslong manipulation of earthquake safety data for two nuclear reactors and that the operator will withdraw applications to restart them. ... Chubu Electric’s announcement comes at a time when Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government has accelerated nuclear reactor restarts amid rising energy costs and as it comes under pressure to reduce carbon emissions. Chubu Electric President Kingo Hayashi said that an outside investigative panel found that the utility had for years provided manipulated seismic data for its Hamaoka No. 3 and No. 4 reactors to ensure the figures met requirements.

US blocks Iran nuclear chief from attending IAEA conference in Vienna

Al Jazeera | September 14, 2026

The United States has barred Iran’s nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, from attending this week’s annual General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at its headquarters in Vienna, after the United Nations Security Council rejected any waiver of “snapback” sanctions. Eslami and his accompanying delegation were forced to cancel their trip to the five-day conference after Austria revoked his visa, Iranian state media said.

2026 NTI Nuclear Security Index

Nuclear Threat Initiative | September 15, 2026

Nuclear security conditions are dramatically declining in Russia and the United States due to the suspension of crucial international cooperation, increases in quantities of weapons-usable nuclear materials, and weakened security oversight. The United States’ overall score decreased by 10 points, the largest negative change ever shown by a country between editions of the NTI Index. Three executive orders issued by the United States in 2025 have undermined the political independence of its nuclear regulator and implementation of internationally accepted principles of security culture. Russia’s overall score decreased by seven points between 2023 and 2026, continuing a trend of decline that began in 2020. Since the 2023 NTI Index, Russia has produced enough new weapons-usable nuclear materials for more than 300 weapons (4,000 kilograms).

This Is Not Your Father’s Nuclear Flight Test Vehicle

Brandon Williams | War on the Rocks

As the administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, my foremost responsibility is to accelerate the modernization of the nuclear stockpile as well as the scientific and production infrastructure that undergirds it. I and other leaders of the agency have impressed a sense of urgency, not only to speed planned warhead upgrades but also to devise prompt, precise, and proportional weapons beyond the program of record, all in a timeframe that will influence adversary decision-making.