The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles was hosted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace at the commissioning of HMS Anson at BAE Systems, Barrow.
As part of our AUKUS partnership, Prime Minister Johnson and Secretary Wallace announced the training of Royal Australian Navy submariners aboard the newly commissioned HMS Anson, an Astute-Class submarine.
Having Royal Australian Navy submariners train alongside Royal Navy crews, is an important step, taken with our partners in the United Kingdom to further strengthen our defence ties.
Australia is embarking on the next generation of submarines and in doing so, ensuring we have Royal Australian Navy personnel training with our partners under the AUKUS partnership.
Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP:
“It was an honour to be hosted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace at today’s commissioning ceremony for HMS Anson.
“Australia is eager to learn from our counterparts, and who better to learn from than our friends in the United Kingdom.
“Our countries are working hand in glove on training and building the skills required for our future submarines, is an important part of bolstering our Defence Force.
“Today’s announcement of Australian submariners training aboard HMS Anson says everything about our future plans of building the AUKUS partnership.
“During my visit to Govan shipyard, where the Type 26 is being built, we have Australian workers- engineers, mechanics and the like- who are learning from their UK counterparts to deliver the high-tech skills required to deliver for our Frigate program back home in Osborne, SA.
“I have been warmly welcomed during my time here in the UK and I would like to thank my counterpart, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace for hosting me.
“The technology, capability and lethality on show is truly impressive and Australia looks forward to progressing our talks through the AUKUS partnership.”
