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HMS Anson docked at HMAS Stirling near Perth on Australia’s west coast as part of the trilateral security partnership known as AUKUS which includes Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The submarine’s commanding officer Cdr Aaron Williams said: “The crew of HMS Anson are excited to be in Australia.
“Travelling a distance unsupported of over 8,000 nautical miles, we are ready to showcase what HMS Anson has to offer.”
The submarine travelled from Gibraltar via the Mediterranean Sea and Suez Canal.
The visit is designed to support Australia in developing the skills and capabilities needed to operate and maintain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
During her stay, HMS Anson will undergo a short maintenance period with the Royal Australian Navy and host a series of high-profile engagement activities as part of the Royal Australian Navy’s 125th anniversary celebrations.
Vice Admiral Paul Beattie, Second Sea Lord, was present to welcome the submarine.
Vice Admiral Beattie said: “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.
“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.”
The trilateral agreement will expand the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet with up to 12 next-generation attack submarines and will deliver a new class of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia.
These vessels will eventually replace the UK’s existing fleet of seven Astute-class submarines and are expected to be the most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy Submarine Service, which is also celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
Cdr Williams said the crew is eager to work closely with allied forces and engage with Australians during their time in the country.
He said: “We are looking forward to conducting a short maintenance period, working closely with both our Australian and American allies, and engaging with the local community.”
In addition to submarine delivery, the AUKUS partnership includes the development of advanced technologies to support undersea operations.
During HMS Anson’s visit, the navies will conduct trials of new technologies, including an AUKUS-developed AI algorithm designed to collect and analyse undersea data.
The UK estimates that AUKUS will generate 7,000 new jobs, while Australia expects the partnership will create 20,000 direct jobs over the next 30 years.
The visit follows a similar deployment by HMS Astute to HMAS Stirling in 2021 as part of the Carrier Strike Group 2021 mission.
Last year, the USS Vermont also visited Perth for a first-of-its-kind submarine maintenance period under the AUKUS agreement.
HMS Anson was delivered to the Royal Navy in 2022 and is the fifth of seven Astute-class submarines.
Her deployment to Australia highlights the growing emphasis the UK Government has placed on the Indo-Pacific region, following its strategic review identifying the area as critical to global security and prosperity.
The visit is part of a wider UK commitment to the Indo-Pacific and demonstrates the increasing integration of naval operations among AUKUS partners.
