The British nuclear-powered attack submarine HMS Anson has arrived at HMAS Stirling near Perth for a month-long visit, marking the first maintenance activity of a UK nuclear submarine in Australia. The 97-metre vessel, armed with torpedoes and land-attack missiles, will undergo maintenance and joint exercises as part of the AUKUS pact.
UK Deputy High Commissioner Brian Jones highlighted the visit as proof of unwavering commitment to AUKUS, stating that the submarine provides invaluable experience for Australia in operating nuclear-powered submarines. Defence Minister Richard Marles called it a historic step in Australia's readiness to handle such vessels.
The deployment comes amid geopolitical tensions, with some UK analysts questioning the move given Russian aggression and NATO commitments. However, the UK government asserts it can balance both priorities, with Jones emphasizing that stability in Europe and the Indo-Pacific are deeply connected.
Meanwhile, the Australian frigate HMAS Toowoomba recently transited the Taiwan Strait, where a helicopter was reportedly warned by Taiwanese air force to leave sensitive airspace. Australia has conducted multiple transits to assert navigation rights, drawing criticism from China.
