The British nuclear-powered attack submarine HMS Anson has arrived at a naval base near Perth for a month-long visit, marking a significant milestone in defence cooperation between the United Kingdom and Australia under the AUKUS pact.
The submarine sailed into HMAS Stirling on Friday morning and will undergo maintenance while also taking part in joint training activities with Australian forces. United Kingdom officials say the deployment demonstrates their “unwavering” and “water-tight” commitment to AUKUS and to regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
UK Deputy High Commissioner to Australia Brian Jones said the visit would provide an invaluable opportunity for Australia to build hands-on experience with nuclear-powered submarines. He described the maintenance period as a clear signal of the UK’s long-term dedication to the partnership, adding that AUKUS sits at the heart of Britain’s vision for global stability and prosperity.
Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles called the visit a historic step, noting it is the first time maintenance has been carried out on a UK nuclear-powered submarine in Australia. He said the activity strengthens the skills, systems and supply chains needed for the future operation and upkeep of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
The 97-metre-long HMS Anson, crewed by about 100 sailors and armed with torpedoes and land-attack missiles, is the first British nuclear-powered submarine to visit Australia’s west coast since the US, UK and Australia revealed the full AUKUS pathway in 2023. The visit follows maintenance work carried out last year on the US Virginia-class submarine USS Vermont at the same base.
While the deployment has been planned for some time, analysts in the UK have questioned sending HMS Anson abroad when the Royal Navy is managing limited operational submarines and heightened tensions in Europe. However, British officials maintain they can meet both NATO and Indo-Pacific commitments, arguing that stability in Europe and the Indo-Pacific is closely linked.
During HMS Anson’s stay, Australia and the UK are also expected to conduct AUKUS Pillar Two tests focused on advanced defence technologies.
The submarine’s arrival comes amid increased naval activity in the region. Recently, Australian frigate HMAS Toowoomba transited the Taiwan Strait, where reports claim one of its helicopters was warned away from sensitive airspace by Taiwan’s Air Force. Taiwan has not confirmed the incident, though Chinese state media said Beijing’s navy closely monitored the Australian ship.
Australian defence officials say such transits are routine and reaffirm the right to freedom of navigation under international law. Australia has also taken part in joint exercises with the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea, reinforcing its commitment to a peaceful, stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
With HMS Anson now in Australian waters, both governments say the visit underscores the growing depth of the UK-Australia defence relationship and the strategic importance of AUKUS in shaping future regional security.