Royal Navy Deploys HMS Anson to Australia Amid Submarine Shortage

The Royal Navy's submarine HMS Anson recently arrived in Gibraltar after departing from Faslane on January 10, 2023. This deployment is part of the United Kingdom's commitment to the AUKUS security pact, with plans for HMS Anson to join the Submarine Rotational Force–West (SRF-West) based in Western Australia by 2026. Defence Minister Luke Pollard emphasized that this deployment is a "core planning assumption for the RN under AUKUS," asserting that the commitment is "both realistic and manageable within existing force planning."

Navy Lookout

The Royal Navy is currently facing a significant shortage of submarines, with only one attack submarine, HMS Anson, available for deployment. The other submarines in commission, including HMS Artful, HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, and HMS Agamemnon, are either at low readiness or undergoing maintenance. The 100-day initiative to address systemic maintenance delays, initiated by General Jenkins in September, has yet to yield substantial results. HMS Artful may soon be operational, but its return date remains undisclosed.

Navy Lookout

The decision to deploy HMS Anson to Australia raises concerns about the Royal Navy's ability to respond to rising tensions in the North Atlantic, particularly with increasing maritime activity from Russia. Critics argue that placing the sole attack submarine in the Indo-Pacific could compromise the UK's deterrent capabilities in its home waters. The First Sea Lord has warned that the UK's advantage in the Atlantic is "at risk," highlighting the precarious state of the Royal Navy's operational readiness.

Navy Lookout

Despite the challenges, the deployment of HMS Anson to Australia offers potential benefits. It provides the Royal Navy with an opportunity to enhance its naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region and allows Australian personnel to gain valuable experience in operating and maintaining nuclear-powered submarines. Additionally, this deployment could help the Royal Navy regain operational experience in these waters, which has been lacking in recent years.

Navy Lookout

Critics of the deployment have pointed out that the Royal Navy's current strategy may not adequately address immediate threats in the North Atlantic. The absence of submarines in European waters raises questions about the UK's ability to respond effectively to potential aggressions. Observers have noted that the Royal Navy's commitment to AUKUS, while strategically important, may be misaligned with pressing local security concerns.

Navy Lookout

Luke Pollard stated that the deployment is a necessary step in fulfilling the UK's obligations under AUKUS, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by the current submarine shortage. The First Sea Lord's comments reflect a growing concern about the Royal Navy's operational capabilities in the face of evolving geopolitical threats.

Navy Lookout

• “a core planning assumption for the RN under AUKUS” — Luke Pollard, Defence Minister

Navy Lookout

• “I can also tell you today that the advantage that we have enjoyed in the Atlantic since the end of the Second World War is at risk. We are holding on, but not by much” — First Sea Lord

Navy Lookout

The deployment of HMS Anson encapsulates the ongoing tension within the Royal Navy as it navigates political commitments while grappling with a critical shortage of operational submarines.

Navy Lookout