Britain Deploys Nuclear Submarine HMS Anson To Arabian Sea With Capability To Strike Iran

Last Updated:March 22, 2026, 10:32 IST

The submarine, HMS Anson, is equipped with Tomahawk Block IV land-attack missiles with a range of 1,000 miles, along with Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes.

A day after Iran reportedly targeted the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia, a nuclear-powered submarine from the British Royal Navy entered the Arabian Sea.

The submarine, HMS Anson, is equipped with Tomahawk Block IV land-attack missiles with a range of 1,000 miles, along with Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes. It left port in Perth on March 6 and is believed to be positioned in deep waters in the northern Arabian Sea. Its presence means British forces now have the capability to launch attacks on Iran if required.

UK joins Iran war

The deployment comes after Downing Street said that Prime Minister Keir Starmer had agreed to allow the United States to use British bases to launch strikes on Iranian targets linked to activity around the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, the UK had only allowed US forces to use its bases for defensive operations aimed at stopping Iranian missile threats to British interests. This has now been expanded under what has been described as “collective self-defence" to protect shipping in the region.

What we know about the submarine?

HMS Anson has travelled around 5,500 miles from the west coast of Australia and is now waiting for further instructions. It surfaces just below water every 24 hours to communicate with the UK’s military command centre at the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, London.

If authorised by the Prime Minister, Lieutenant General Nick Perry, head of joint operations, would issue the order to strike. The submarine would then move closer to the surface and fire a set of four missiles.

Based at Faslane in Scotland, the submarine uses advanced technology. Instead of a traditional periscope, it displays surface views on a large screen. Its nuclear reactor means it does not need refuelling during its 25-year service life. It can also produce its own water and air, allowing it to travel long distances without surfacing. However, it carries only three months’ worth of food for its crew of 98.

According to a defence source, the submarine’s exact location is kept highly restricted. Only senior officials, including the Prime Minister and key naval commanders, are informed. Submarines can remain in position for weeks. When running silently, conditions onboard become difficult, with limited water use and strict routines for the crew.

However, the UK Ministry of Defence has declined to confirm the submarine’s location. 

News world Britain Deploys Nuclear Submarine HMS Anson To Arabian Sea With Capability To Strike Iran

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