AUKUS enters new era with the arrival of UK submarine into Western Australia

HMS Anson has arrived at Western Australia’s HMAS Stirling for the first‑ever maintenance activity on a United Kingdom nuclear‑powered submarine in Australia, marking a historic step in our nation’s readiness to operate and maintain conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarines.

Over the coming weeks, Australian personnel will work alongside partners from the United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) on maintenance and familiarisation activities on the Astute-class submarine.

Around 100 personnel will contribute to the UK Submarine Maintenance Period (UK SMP) including members of the Royal Navy, the UK Submarine Delivery Agency, Royal Australian Navy, ASC Pty Ltd, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.

This builds on previous work completed on US Virginia-class submarines USS Vermont in 2025 and USS Hawaii in 2024, and strengthens the skills, systems and supply chains required for routine maintenance of nuclear‑powered submarines.     

Participation in the UK SMP represents another significant milestone in the lead up to the establishment of Submarine Rotational Force–West at HMAS Stirling from 2027 and will further build Australia’s familiarity with UK-designed submarines as the nation prepares to begin construction of SSN-AUKUS in Adelaide by the end of the decade. 

Two Royal Australian Navy officers have been embedded aboard HMS Anson, gaining invaluable operational experience on a conventionally-armed, nuclear‑powered submarine.

More than 50 Australians are now embedded within the UK Defence Nuclear Enterprise, and the Royal Navy has provided offshore nuclear safety training to over 950 Australian Submarine Agency personnel.

The presence of HMS Anson also provides another opportunity to test and strengthen Australia’s nuclear stewardship systems, drawing on the world-leading safety practices of AUKUS partners. 

During the HMS Anson visit, AUKUS partners will also undertake a combined AUKUS Pillar I and Pillar II activity, testing the interoperability of the Australian Speartooth large uncrewed underwater vehicle (LUUV) with the UK SSN, and assessing and enhancing AUKUS Pillar II anti-submarine warfare AI algorithms fitted to the RAAF P-8A Poseidon.  

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“Australia’s acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine capability will create jobs, strengthen our local industry and help keep Australians safe. 

“This Submarine Maintenance Period is the latest demonstration of the continued momentum across all three partners to deliver AUKUS.

“Australia, the UK and the US will work together over the coming weeks on the maintenance of HMS Anson – developing our skills, systems and infrastructure as we prepare for Submarine Rotational Force–West to begin next year.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“This is an important milestone that will build confidence in our strategic partners that we have the workforce able to deliver AUKUS submarines, and also lays ground for more jobs for locals.

“Alongside our AUKUS teammates, our workforce and industry partners are moving with purpose to accelerate Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine capability.

“AUKUS partners are working together to achieve real operational benefits today, faster than we can working alone.”

MEDIA NOTE:

Media can access imagery/vision at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20260372.