Indeed, full proven, completely safe propulsion technology for over 60 years now.
But because of the word "nuclear", we're not allowed to even discuss why it is so obvious that the only viable submarine technology for maritime Defence of the world's only inhabited island continent - is the U.S. Virginia Class attack submarine.
NO NUCLEAR WEAPON CAPABILITY, the ninth generation of sealed nuclear steam propulsion delivering 40,000 SHP for the 37+ years of life without refueling, able to travel for unlimited periods faster (30+ knots) submerged than on or near the surface, etc, etc.
We are about go commit to spend a lot more than we could lease-purchase Virginias for to build 20th century submarines that all serious larger navies will regard as completely obsolete when their capability may well be vital to our survival in the mid-21st century.
But no one cares about REAL DEFENCE CAPABILITY, because of a few very well-paid heavily unionized jobs in SA....
