UK’s Nuclear Submarine visits Australia

Asia-Pacific, Europe, News October 31, 2021 , by IRIA No Comments

British Royal Navy’s nuclear-powered submarine arrived in Perth, Australia as the United Kingdom showcases the Astute’s capabilities to the Royal Australian Navy.

The nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) Astute deployed with HMS Queen Elizabeth’s Carrier Strike Group, is conducting a port call to Western Australia capital Perth.

Australian Department of Defence welcomed the British Astute-class submarine’s first visit to Australia, and highlighted “the strong existing naval partnership between Australia and the United Kingdom”.

Australian Minister for Defence Peter Dutton said the submarine’s visit was a testament to the three nations’ commitment to greater cooperation on security and defence capabilities. Dutton remarked that “The AUKUS partners have committed to bolstering our collective efforts in meeting the challenges posed by our strategic circumstances in the Indo-Pacific”.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said, “The UK, Australia and our Five Eyes intelligence partners have a long history of friendship and our Navies have enjoyed a close and mutually beneficial relationship for over a hundred years.”

“With many shared security interests, it is natural that Australia is at the heart of the UK’s Indo-Pacific tilt. The permanent maritime presence in the region provided by HMS Tamar and Spey further demonstrates this resolve and our commitment to a truly Global Britain,” he added.

UK High Commissioner Vicki Treadell pointed out the significance of the British submarine’s visit by saying “This visit, and the warm welcome our Royal Navy has received exemplifies our commitment to the region, and the spirit of mateship that underpins the bonds between our two great nations.”

The Royal Navy’s visit comes weeks after the announcement of the trilateral security pact “AUKUS” between Australia, the UK and the United States.

HMS Queen Elizabeth and Carrier Strike Group vessels have visited several countries on the group maiden deployment. The British Carrier Strike Group had recently participated in naval drills with Royal Australian Navy units as well as several engagements with regional partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

British Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group participated in Bersama Gold 2021 exercise with the Five Power Defence Arrangements member countries, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom on October 8.

^{British Royal Navy Flagship Fleet HMS Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier}

According to press releases from the Singapore and Malaysian defense ministries, a total of 2600 personnel, 25 fighter aircraft, two support aircraft, 10 ships, three maritime patrol aircraft, six maritime helicopters, a submarine, and one command and control aircraft participated in the exercise.

With the increasing engagements in the region, the UK seeks to enhance its partnership with regional countries to maintain its naval presence and “protect common interests and values” in the Indo-Pacific region.