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UK Submarine Maintenance Period 2026

Last updated: 24 Feb 2026

Australia’s journey to operate and maintain conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarines has entered a historic new phase with the arrival of the Royal Navy’s Astute Class submarine HMS Anson at HMAS Stirling for a period of maintenance and joint training.

This visit marks the first-ever maintenance activity on a United Kingdom nuclear‑powered submarine in Australia and represents another significant milestone in the lead up to the establishment of Submarine Rotational Force–West at HMAS Stirling from 2027. It also builds on the previous work completed on US Virginia‑class submarines USS Hawaii in 2024 and USS Vermont in 2025.

Over the coming weeks, Australian personnel will work with our AUKUS partners on maintenance and familiarisation activities, strengthening the skills, systems and supply chains required for routine maintenance of nuclear-powered submarines. Around 100 personnel from the Royal Navy, the UK Submarine Delivery Agency, the Royal Australian Navy, ASC Pty Ltd and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard will contribute to the UK Submarine Maintenance Period.

This milestone further builds Australia’s familiarity with UK-designed submarines as the nation prepares to begin construction of SSN-AUKUS in Adelaide by the end of the decade, and enhances interoperability between the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Navy and US Navy through planned joint training, exercises and capability demonstrations.

HMS Anson at HMAS Stirling

The Astute-class submarine HMS Anson arrives at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia for a scheduled Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP).
The Astute-class submarine HMS Anson arrives at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia for a scheduled Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP). Photographer: LAC Thomas Clarke-Kelly
The Astute-class submarine HMS Anson (centre) drives past HMAS Perth (left) as she arrives at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia for a scheduled Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP).
The Astute-class submarine HMS Anson (centre) drives past HMAS Perth (left) as she arrives at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia for a scheduled Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP). Photographer: LACW Maddison Scott
HMS Anson
The Astute-class submarine HMS Anson arrives at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia for a scheduled Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP). Photographer: LAC Thomas Clarke-Kelly
Indigenous Leader, Mr Barry Winmar (far-right), conducts a Welcome to Country for Royal Navy Astute class submarine, HMS Anson, after she arrives at HMAS Stirling, Perth.
Indigenous Leader, Mr Barry Winmar (far-right), conducts a Welcome to Country for Royal Navy Astute class submarine, HMS Anson, after she arrives at HMAS Stirling, Perth.
Director-General Australian Submarine Agency, Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead AO RAN said, “This maintenance activity over a number of weeks will constitute a UK, a US and Australian workforce and an industry chain from all three countries. And that is what AUKUS is all about
VADM Jonathan Mead AO RAN, Director-General, Australian Submarine Agency, (front) conducts a press conference at HMAS Stirling, WA. Photographer: LAC Thomas Clarke-Kelly
Admiral William Houston, Director Naval Nuclear Propulsion, Department of Navy/Department of Energy (left), VADM Jonathan Mead AO RAN, Director General Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) (centre) and RADM Andrew Perks MBE, Director Submarines at HMAS Stirling as HMS Anson comes alongside the base for a Submarine Maintenance Period.
Admiral William Houston, Director Naval Nuclear Propulsion, Department of Navy/Department of Energy (left), VADM Jonathan Mead AO RAN, Director General Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) (centre) and RADM Andrew Perks MBE, Director Submarines at HMAS Stirling as HMS Anson comes alongside the base for a Submarine Maintenance Period. Photographer: POIS Matthew Lyall
HMS Anson's crew along with Australian counterpart, seen here as the boat arrives into Australia.
HMS Anson's crew along with Australian counterpart, seen here as the boat arrives into Australia. Photographer: PO Phot Unaisi Luke
HMS Anson alongside at HMAS Stirling, Australia.
HMS Anson alongside at HMAS Stirling, Australia. Photographer: PO Phot Unaisi Luke
HMS Anson arrives in HMAS Stirling, Australia.
HMS Anson arrives in HMAS Stirling, Australia. Photographer: LPhot Kevin Walton
(L-R) The Honourable Paul Papalia CSC, MLA, Western Australia (WA) Minister for Defence Industries and Minister for Veterans, The Honourable Madeleine King MP, Minister for Northern Australia, United States Navy, Admirable William Houston, Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion, Department of Navy/ Department of Energy, Sir Stephen Lovegrove, GCMG KCB and the Prime Ministers Special Representative for AUKUS. Seen here before a press conference at HMAS Stirling, Perth.
(L-R) The Honourable Paul Papalia CSC, MLA, Western Australia (WA) Minister for Defence Industries and Minister for Veterans, The Honourable Madeleine King MP, Minister for Northern Australia, United States Navy, Admirable William Houston, Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion, Department of Navy/ Department of Energy, Sir Stephen Lovegrove, GCMG KCB and the Prime Ministers Special Representative for AUKUS. Seen here before a press conference at HMAS Stirling, Perth. Photographer: LACW Maddison Scott
Indigenous Leader Barry Winmar conducts the welcome ceremony at Garden Island in Australia.
Indigenous Leader Barry Winmar conducts the welcome ceremony at Garden Island in Australia. Photographer: LAC Thomas Clarke-Kelly
HMS Anson in transit to HMAS Stirling.
HMS Anson in transit to HMAS Stirling. Photographer: LAC Thomas Clarke-Kelly
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Astute Class submarines

The Astute Class is the Royal Navy's latest generation of nuclear‑powered attack submarines, offering advanced stealth, endurance and strike capabilities.

DisplacementLengthSpeedRangePropulsionArmament
7,400 t97 metres30 knots (55.5km/h)unlimitedRolls Royce Pressurised Water Reactor 2Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise missiles and Spearfish torpedoes

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