A Royal Navy submarine has arrived in Australia for an historic visit to strengthen the UK’s commitment to the security of the Indo-Pacific.
HMS Anson docked at HMAS Stirling – the Astute-class boat’s first visit Down Under – as part of the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK and the United States, known as AUKUS.
The visit is a crucial part of the ongoing process of supporting Australia to develop the skills and capabilities necessary to operate, maintain and steward conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
Waiting for the submarine – normally based at Faslane on the Clyde – was Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Paul Beattie.
“It is a privilege to welcome HMS Anson to Australian waters for the first time, standing alongside our Royal Australian Navy and United States Navy partners,” he said.
“This visit represents far more than a port call, it is a demonstration of the deep trust, shared purpose, and collective ambition at the heart of AUKUS. Together, we are forging the interoperability and cooperation that will define our partnership for decades to come.”
During her visit to the base, near Perth, the boat will host a series of high-profile engagement activities and will be in the country for the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy.
The boat, which stopped in Gibraltar before making a non-stop transit through the Mediterranean Sea and Suez Canal will also undergo a maintenance period with the Royal Australian Navy while she is in Western Australia.