February 22, 2026 — A British nuclear-powered submarine has docked in Australia for a groundbreaking month-long visit, underscoring the nations’ dedication to the AUKUS security pact amid challenges facing the Royal Navy’s fleet readiness.
Arrival at HMAS Stirling
HMS Anson, an advanced Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine, arrived on Sunday at the HMAS Stirling naval base in Perth for scheduled maintenance. Commissioned in 2022, this vessel represents the only operational Astute-class submarine currently available from the Royal Navy’s fleet of five, making the deployment particularly noteworthy.
Defence Minister Richard Marles and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy hailed the visit as a historic step forward in Australia’s preparedness to operate and sustain conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
Royal Navy Fleet Challenges
Defense analysts highlight the extraordinary timing of the deployment, as the other four Astute-class submarines remain at low or very low readiness levels. This move prioritizes AUKUS commitments even as the United Kingdom addresses pressing security concerns, including threats from Russia.
Reports indicate the Royal Navy has struggled to deploy more than one Astute-class boat at a time in recent years, with periods when none were at sea. First Sea Lord Gwyn Jenkins launched a 100-day initiative in October to address systemic delays in the submarine program.
Boosting AUKUS Capabilities
Pat Conroy described the visit as a key milestone that strengthens confidence among strategic partners in Australia’s skilled workforce for AUKUS submarines while creating local job opportunities.
Two Australian Navy officers are embedded aboard HMS Anson to learn nuclear-powered submarine operations firsthand. The Australian Navy also plans sea trials with its Speartooth large underwater drone alongside the British vessel.
Britain’s Deputy High Commissioner to Australia, Brian Jones, emphasized the visit’s message: “Our security as the UK is global, and we are committed to contributing to the security and stability wherever that might be. Our shared prosperity with Australia depends on that security. Deploying one of our most capable defence assets into this region reflects our commitment to work with our close partners to uphold peace, security and stability.”
Astute-Class and AUKUS Progress
The Astute-class submarines stand as the Royal Navy’s largest, most advanced attack submarines, equipped with cutting-edge sensors, design, and weaponry. Though nuclear-powered, they carry no nuclear weapons.
Similar maintenance visits by U.S. nuclear-powered submarines occurred in Australia in 2024 and 2025. Under the AUKUS plan announced in 2023, the U.S. will supply at least three Virginia-class submarines, while the UK and Australia collaborate on the SSN-AUKUS design.
Expert Perspectives
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine expressed confidence last week, stating there is a “100 per cent chance” the U.S. will deliver the promised submarines despite production delays at American shipyards.
Retired Rear Admiral Philip Mathias, former director of nuclear policy at the UK Ministry of Defence, warned that ongoing Royal Navy issues could jeopardize the UK element of AUKUS. “Whilst the United States may sell some [nuclear-powered submarines] to Australia, there is a high probability that the UK element of AUKUS will fail,” he said. Mathias, who reviewed the UK’s Trident system in 2010, criticized Australia’s due diligence on the UK’s submarine program prior to committing billions.
