The visit marks the first time the Astute-class submarine has travelled to Australia. It forms part of ongoing efforts to support Australia in developing the skills and capabilities required to operate, maintain and steward conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
HMS Anson, normally based at Faslane on the Clyde, was welcomed on arrival by Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Paul Beattie. He emphasised the broader significance of the deployment beyond a routine port call.
“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 time in Western Australia, the submarine will host a series of high-profile engagement activities. The visit also coincides with the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy.
Before reaching Australia, HMS Anson stopped in Gibraltar and then completed a non-stop transit through the Mediterranean Sea and the Suez Canal. While in Western Australia, the submarine will also undergo a maintenance period in cooperation with the Royal Australian Navy.
The deployment underscores the practical dimension of AUKUS cooperation in the region. It highlights the role of joint operations and technical collaboration in strengthening long-term interoperability among the three partner nations.
