Australia reached another milestone towards operating its own conventionally armed, nuclear‑powered submarines, with the arrival of HMS Anson at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia on February 22.
The Astute‑class submarine will undergo a planned maintenance period over the coming weeks, during the first United Kingdom submarine maintenance undertaken in Australia.
It also marks the first United Kingdom submarine visit since the AUKUS Optimal Pathway was announced nearly three years ago.
Royal Australian Navy Director-General of Australian Submarine Agency Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead emphasised the progress made to deliver the Optimal Pathway.
"This maintenance activity over a number of weeks will constitute a UK, a US and Australian workforce and an industry chain from all three countries. And that is what AUKUS is all about," Vice Admiral Mead said.
The activity involves embarkation of two Royal Australian Navy personnel to consolidate their nuclear training, participate in operations and gain at-sea experience in Anson.
The Australian industry is playing an increasing role in preparing for Submarine Rotational Force - West (SRF‑West), with around 15 local companies supporting the submarine maintenance period and building capability.
'The visit of Anson is just another milestone to demonstrate the progress that Australia is making to be ready in 2027 to support rotating nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and the United Kingdom.'
Additionally, ASC Pty Ltd workers, about half of whom recently completed training at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, will contribute wharf services throughout the visit, to test and certify systems, processes and personnel ahead of SRF‑West's commencement in 2027.
United States Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Admiral William Houston said the activity was the next step in preparing for SRF‑West.
"This endeavour is critical to all of our security. This is part of the pathway to lead on to the sovereign capability of Australia," Admiral Houston said.
Sir Stephen Lovegrove, the United Kingdom Prime Minister's Special Representative for AUKUS, noted that the United Kingdom brings more than 60 years of continuous and safe nuclear submarine operation to AUKUS.
"It's the integration of technology and people in supply chains that sets AUKUS apart, and it'll lead to greater resilience, flexibility and scale for all three nations, as well as billions of pounds and dollars' worth of investment in our communities," he said.
This submarine maintenance will also further build Australian familiarity with UK‑designed boats.
"The visit of Anson is just another milestone to demonstrate the progress that Australia is making to be ready in 2027 to support rotating nuclear-powered submarines from the United States and the United Kingdom," Vice Admiral Mead said.
