UK Submarine HMS Anson Arrives in Australia for AUKUS Exercises
Perth, Western Australia – The British nuclear-powered attack submarine HMS Anson arrived at HMAS Stirling naval base on Sunday, February 22, 2026, for a month-long visit focused on maintenance and joint exercises with the Australian Navy. The deployment is being hailed by UK and Australian officials as a demonstration of their commitment to the AUKUS security pact .
Strengthening the AUKUS Partnership
UK Deputy High Commissioner to Australia Brian Jones emphasized the significance of the visit, stating that the maintenance period “sends a simple message of our water-tight commitment to AUKUS; solid and unwavering.” The visit also provides an opportunity for Australia to gain experience with nuclear-powered submarines as it prepares for the future SSN-AUKUS fleet.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles described the visit as a “historic step” in Australia’s readiness to operate and maintain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, and a key element in strengthening the necessary skills, systems, and supply chains.
HMS Anson: A Key Asset
The 97-meter-long HMS Anson has a crew of approximately 100 and is equipped with both torpedoes and land-attack missiles. It is the first British nuclear-powered submarine to visit the Australian west coast since the unveiling of the full AUKUS pathway in San Diego in 2023. The visit follows a similar maintenance period for the US Virginia-class submarine USS Vermont at HMAS Stirling in November of last year.
Notably, HMS Anson is reportedly the only fully operational Astute-class attack submarine currently available in the Royal Navy fleet, with the remaining four undergoing maintenance or awaiting repairs. This highlights the strategic importance of its deployment to Australia.
Geopolitical Context and Regional Security
The arrival of HMS Anson occurs amidst heightened geopolitical tensions, including ongoing concerns regarding Russian aggression and uncertainties surrounding the future role of the United States under a potential fresh administration. UK officials maintain that maintaining stability in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific region is a connected priority, and that the UK can fulfill its commitments to both NATO and AUKUS.
Concurrently, an Australian frigate, HMAS Toowoomba, recently conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait, where its helicopter received a warning from Taiwanese Air Force to leave sensitive airspace. This action, along with previous transits by Australian vessels, reaffirms Australia’s right to freedom of navigation in the region, which has seen increased Chinese military activity.
AUKUS Pillar 2 Tests Anticipated
During HMS Anson’s stay in Australian waters, both countries are expected to conduct tests related to AUKUS Pillar 2, which focuses on developing Australia’s capabilities to operate and maintain nuclear-powered submarines.