Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Mar 22: A British Navy submarine armed with cruise missiles has reportedly been deployed in the Arabian Sea as tensions continue to escalate in West Asia.

According to reports, the nuclear-powered HMS Anson travelled nearly 5,500 miles from Perth to the region earlier this month. The submarine is equipped with Tomahawk Block IV cruise missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes, capable of striking targets up to 1,000 miles away.

HMS Anson is part of the UK’s advanced Astute-class fleet, alongside submarines such as HMS Astute, Ambush, Artful and Audacious, considered among the most powerful attack submarines operated by the Royal Navy.

The deployment positions the submarine within striking distance of key locations, including Iran, should the ongoing conflict escalate further. However, there has been no official confirmation from the UK Ministry of Defence regarding the move.

The development comes amid heightened tensions linked to the conflict in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, which has disrupted oil supplies.

The UK, along with 21 other nations, has condemned attacks on shipping in the Gulf region and the closure of the Strait.

The submarine had earlier arrived in Australia under the AUKUS security pact involving the UK, the United States and Australia, before moving towards the Middle East.

Reports said the vessel remains in communication with the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, with any potential strike requiring authorisation from Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The deployment follows Britain’s decision to allow the United States to use its bases for strikes on Iranian targets linked to threats in the Strait of Hormuz.