Sky News host Peta Credlin says if Australia is serious about standing up to its “superpower bullies” then it needs submarines which are just as capable as theirs.

Australia currently has a multi-billion-dollar contract with a French manufacturer to convert 12 nuclear submarines to normal diesel engine submarines which are not expected to be ready until around 2035.

Ms Credlin said the government should seriously consider the nuclear submarine option given the current Collins Class submarines are “ageing and increasingly fragile,” and the French model won’t be ready for at least 15 years.

“If we’re fair dinkum about more defence self-reliance, we can’t just be a niche contributor to American operations or leave our regional security to others,” she said.

“The only off-the-shelf option for a submarine that would meet Australia’s unique needs, is nuclear.

“Now if it was me looking at this and not Linda Reynolds, I would want to look carefully at cancelling this French contract for an inferior sub that we won’t see for years.

“Rather than ask a non-ally for a nuclear option, ask Britain and the United States, whether they might be prepared to sell us their best nuclear-powered submarine, and help us to get boats in the water as soon as possible.”