Rolls-Royce’s long-standing relationship with the Royal Navy, providing power to the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines for over 60 years, has recently expanded with their involvement in supplying submarine reactor technology to Australia. While this development signifies a significant advancement for the submarine capabilities of both countries, it raises implications for non-nuclear states and the broader global nuclear landscape. Firstly, the expansion of Rolls-Royce’s involvement in supplying submarine reactors to Australia underscores the continued reliance on nuclear technology for naval defense purposes. Nuclear-powered submarines offer extended endurance, increased operational capabilities, and enhanced stealth, which are highly valued by naval forces. However, this development also highlights the exclusivity of such advanced technologies and the strategic advantage they confer upon states possessing them. The implications for non-nuclear states are twofold. Firstly, non-nuclear states may face increased pressure to acquire or develop nuclear-powered submarines in order to keep up with the evolving capabilities of nuclear-armed or nuclear-powered states. This can create a regional security imbalance and potentially lead to an arms race or heightened tensions in certain regions. Additionally, non-nuclear states may feel excluded from certain defense alliances or cooperative frameworks that prioritize the use of nuclear-powered submarines. From a broader perspective, the expansion of Rolls-Royce’s involvement in submarine reactor technology highlights the continued importance of nuclear energy and technology in global defense strategies. This could potentially influence non-nuclear states’ perceptions of the value and significance of nuclear capabilities in maintaining national security and geopolitical influence. The growing reliance on nuclear-powered submarines by states like the United Kingdom and Australia demonstrates the strategic advantages offered by these advanced naval platforms. Extended endurance, increased operational capabilities, and enhanced stealth make nuclear submarines highly valued in naval defense strategies. However, this trend raises concerns regarding the exclusivity and potential regional security imbalances it may create. Non-nuclear states may face increased pressure to acquire or develop nuclear-powered submarines in order to keep up with the evolving capabilities of nuclear-armed or nuclear-powered states. This pressure can lead to regional security imbalances, potential arms races, and heightened tensions. Moreover, the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines may result in non-nuclear states being excluded from certain defense alliances or cooperative frameworks, further exacerbating security concerns. The expansion of nuclear submarine capabilities can have implications for global non-proliferation efforts and the delicate balance of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). As non-nuclear states witness the increased use of nuclear technology for military purposes, there is a risk of their perceptions shifting regarding the value and significance of nuclear capabilities in maintaining national security and geopolitical influence. This may impact efforts to achieve nuclear disarmament and pose challenges to the non-proliferation regime. It is crucial for international discussions on nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament to address the implications of advanced nuclear technologies, particularly in military applications such as nuclear submarines. Transparency, responsible behavior, and robust safeguards in the transfer and use of nuclear technology are essential to maintain global security and stability. Balancing the security concerns of nuclear-armed or nuclear-powered states with the interests and security of non-nuclear states is a key challenge that requires cooperation and dialogue among all stakeholders.