Australia advances AUKUS preparations with first UK submarine maintenance

The Astute-class submarine HMS Anson arrives at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia for a scheduled Submarine Maintenance Period. (Commonwealth of Australia)

Australia has taken another step along the AUKUS pathway with the arrival of the Royal Navy's Astute-class submarine HMS Anson at HMAS Stirling.

Anson will become the first UK nuclear‑powered attack submarine (SSN) to undergo maintenance activities on Australian soil, and the event is being positioned by Canberra as a practical demonstration of the trilateral defence partnership's momentum.

“Over the coming weeks, Australian personnel will work alongside partners from the United Kingdom and United States on maintenance and familiarisation activities on the Astute-class submarine,” read a joint statement issued by Australia's Minister of Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy on 22 February.

“Around 100 personnel will contribute to the UK Submarine Maintenance Period [UK SMP], including members of the Royal Navy, the UK Submarine Delivery Agency, [the] Royal Australian Navy, ASC Pty Ltd, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard,” the statement added.

This activity follows earlier work undertaken on US Navy Virginia‑class submarines, USS Vermont in 2025 and USS Hawaii in 2024, and is intended to develop the skills, systems, and supply chains Australia will need for the routine upkeep of SSNs.

Australia's involvement in the UK SMP marks another important step towards the establishment of Submarine Rotational Force – West at HMAS Stirling from 2027 and further strengthens Australia's understanding of UK submarine designs as preparations advance for construction of the SSN‑AUKUS in Adelaide later this decade.

Two Royal Australian Navy officers are embarked on Anson as part of the capability building.