British Nuclear Submarine Arrives in Arabian Sea, on Alert as War Tensions Heat Up
A nuclear-powered submarine of the British Royal Navy has arrived in the Arabian Sea with the capability to launch strikes against Iran if war tensions escalate. Military sources indicate that the HMS Anson submarine is able to launch cruise missile attacks.
According to detikNews citing the Daily Mail on Sunday (22/3/2026), HMS Anson is equipped with land-attack Tomahawk Block IV missiles with a range of 1,000 miles and heavy Spearfish torpedoes. It departed from the port in Perth on 6 March. The nuclear submarine is believed to have taken up position in the deep waters of the northern Arabian Sea.
British forces thus possess the capability to launch strikes against Iran if the conflict intensifies further. This news emerges after Downing Street stated that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has approved US permission to use British bases to launch attacks on Iranian sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz.
Previously, Starmer had permitted US forces to use the bases only for defensive operations to prevent Iran from firing missiles that endanger British interests or lives. However, he has now approved an expansion of targets to help protect ships in shipping lanes based on ‘collective self-defence’.
Referring to defence sources at PJHQ, the Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Nick Perry, would issue firing orders if authorised by the Prime Minister. HMS Anson would then rise close to the surface and launch a salvo of four missiles.
This advanced submarine, based in Faslane, Scotland, does not have a standard periscope. Instead, it displays the surface view on a large television screen.
With its nuclear reactor, the submarine does not need to refuel for 25 years. Meanwhile, its ability to purify water and air means the submarine can circumnavigate the planet without needing to surface.
However, the submarine’s capabilities are limited by its food supplies, which last three months for 98 officers and crew members.
One source said, “Anson will hide quietly. The Prime Minister and the Commander of Maritime Operations will be informed of the submarine’s location, and of course the Submarine Service—but its location will not be widely known.”
“The Navy can quickly position the submarine and then leave it there for weeks.”
“If necessary, the submarine will operate silently, so no showers, no flushing toilets, and many people bathing in one tub of water. The smell will be very pungent.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence refused to comment on the location of HMS Anson. A spokesperson said: “We will not provide details on current operations or specific deployments.”
“We continue to monitor our capabilities in this region regularly.”