Australian submariners will train alongside Brits on Royal Navy's HMS Anson as two nations deepen defence ties after UK and US struck Aukus deal to develop nation's nuclear-powered submarines
- Australian submariners to train with Royal Navy on new submarine HMS Anson
- Boris Johnson attended ceremony for nuclear submarine in Barrow-in-Furness
- The announcement marks furthers ties between British and Australian navies
Australian submariners will train alongside the Royal Navy on the UK’s newly commissioned submarine, HMS Anson, the Ministry of Defence said, marking closer military ties between the two nations.
The announcement came as Boris Johnson and other ministers attended a commissioning ceremony for the new Astute-Class nuclear-powered attack submarine, in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
The two nations are deepening defence ties and have entered into the trilateral Aukus partnership with the US.
The agreement will see the UK and US help Canberra to develop its own nuclear-powered submarines.
Australian deputy prime minister, Richard Marles, joined the commissioning ceremony for HMS Anson as part of his first official visit to the UK since his party won power.
The Royal Australian Navy will train on the new submarine - built at a cost of £1.3 billion - and the other, four, new, Astute-class attack submarines for the Royal Navy alongside British crews.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson poses in front of HMS Anson today as it is docked at BAE systems in Barrow-in-Furness to be commissioned into the Royal Navy
The world's most advanced attack submarine HMS Anson has joined the Royal Navy fleet. Costing £1.3bn, HMS Anson is able to gather vital intelligence, protect other Royal Navy vessels from threats above and below the waves and destroy enemy military infrastructure
The training and exchanges 'mark the beginning of a multigenerational naval partnership between the three Aukus nations', the MoD said
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The Ministry of Defence (MoD), the UK and US have already welcomed Royal Australian Navy personnel to specialised nuclear training courses, and more will follow next year, before Australian submariners go to sea.
The training and exchanges “mark the beginning of a multigenerational naval partnership between the three Aukus nations”, the MoD said.
Mr Johnson said: “HMS Anson is the perfect example of where levelling up the UK and generating jobs, skills and growth across our country goes hand-in-glove with global Britain.
“From the Pacific Ocean to the Baltic Sea, our submarine service is protecting the UK and our allies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the deployment of Australian submariners alongside our British crews epitomises the strength of the Aukus partnership.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, said: “Today is a significant milestone in the UK and Australia’s preparation to confront growing threats to the liberal democratic order, especially in the Indo Pacific
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