The arrival of the Royal Navy’s nuclear-powered submarine HMS Anson in Western Australia marks a major turning point for the AUKUS partnership, as the UK,

Australia and the United States deepen military cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

The Astute-class submarine docked at HMAS Stirling, near Perth, where it will undergo maintenance carried out jointly by British engineers and Australian personnel. It is the first time Australian teams have worked hands-on to maintain a UK nuclear-powered attack submarine — a key step in preparing Australia to operate and sustain its future AUKUS fleet.

UK officials described the visit as both symbolic and practical: a demonstration of long-term commitment to regional security, and a real-world training opportunity that accelerates skills transfer between allies.

Building the future AUKUS submarine force

AUKUS is a decades-long security partnership aimed at delivering a new generation of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines and advanced defence technologies. At the heart of the programme is SSN-AUKUS, a next-generation submarine design drawing on British, American and Australian expertise.

For the UK, the programme represents a significant industrial expansion. More than 7,000 new jobs are expected across the British supply chain, with peak production supporting around 21,000 roles. Since mid-2024, the government has invested £6 billion in submarine infrastructure at Barrow and Derby, enabling the construction of a new submarine every 18 months.

Defence spending is also rising sharply, with the UK set to spend 2.6% of GDP on defence from 2027 — the largest sustained increase since the Cold War.

Joint maintenance and local industry involvement

During HMS Anson’s stay, Australian and UK teams will carry out joint maintenance work, including hydraulic system checks, in-water engineering tasks and simulated emergency response exercises. Five Australian companies have manufactured components specifically for installation on the submarine, highlighting how local industry is being integrated into the trilateral supply chain.

The approach reflects AUKUS’s goal of building a resilient, shared industrial base across all three nations, reducing risk and creating long-term economic opportunities.

Leaders hail “decisive step forward”

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: ‘In December, I promised that the UK is all in on the AUKUS partnership, and full steam ahead working with our Australian and US partners.

In this new era of threat, with our adversaries working more closely together, partnerships like this are our greatest strength. I’m proud of the exceptional UK and Australian personnel and our industries who will work together over the coming months to drive forward delivery of this programme – creating good jobs and opportunities across our nations.

AUKUS will deter adversaries, boost deterrence and develop the next-generation capabilities that will help make the UK secure at home and strong aboard”.

The submarine was welcomed to Western Australia by Sir Stephen Lovegrove, the UK Prime Minister’s Special Representative on AUKUS. He said:

“The arrival of HMS ANSON marks a decisive step forward for AUKUS, both as a powerful symbol of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Indo Pacific and as a practical opportunity to develop the skills Australia will need to operate and sustain nuclear powered submarines.

AUKUS is an unprecedented, multi-decade collaboration between the UK, Australia and the US to turbocharge our industrial bases and deliver the cutting-edge capabilities we need to maintain our strategic advantage”.

A milestone for long-term security

Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Paul Beattie, who is at HMAS Stirling to witness the submarine’s arrival, 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”.

Commanding Officer of HMS ANSON Commander Aaron Williams said: 

“The crew of HMS ANSON is very excited to be in Australia for this visit – the next step in the AUKUS partnership. After travelling over 8,000 nautical miles we’re ready to show Australia and the region what these submarines have to offer. We are looking forward to working closely with our Australian and United States allies and meeting the people of Western Australia”.

Economic impact across three nations

Beyond defence, AUKUS is expected to deliver major economic benefits. In the UK, the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise is projected to support around 65,000 jobs by 2030, with average salaries well above the national norm. Australia estimates around 20,000 direct jobs will be created over the next three decades, particularly in Western Australia and South Australia.

Naval facilities in Western Australia will also be transformed into a shared operating hub for UK, US and Australian submarines, strengthening deterrence and increasing allied presence across the Indo-Pacific.

As HMS Anson begins joint maintenance and training activities in Perth, the visit stands as a clear signal: AUKUS has moved from planning into delivery, reshaping security, industry and alliances for a new strategic era. Photo by Ministry of Defence, Wikimedia commons.