Overview
- Multiple outlets citing defense sources report the Royal Navy’s Astute‑class HMS Anson is operating in the northern Arabian Sea with Tomahawk land‑attack missiles and Spearfish torpedoes.
- The UK Ministry of Defence has declined to confirm the submarine’s location, and Reuters said it could not independently verify the reported deployment.
- HMS Anson departed Perth on March 6 after an AUKUS visit and traveled roughly 5,500 miles to the region, according to the reports.
- Any missile launch from the submarine would require authorization from the prime minister to be conveyed via the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters under Lieutenant General Nick Perry.
- The UK decision permits US operations from British bases such as RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia to degrade missile sites threatening the Strait of Hormuz, with separate reporting of an attempted Iranian missile strike toward Diego Garcia and disputed timing.