The Royal Navy has already announced that it is used to operate a nuclear-powered attack submarine, HMS Anson, in the Arabian Sea as tension is mounting in the Middle East conflict, entering its third week. The submarine, fitted with the state-of-the-art weaponry such as Tomahawk cruise missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes can hit a target up to 1,000 miles (1,600 km).
HMS Anson, which was one of the Astute-class fleet, which is believed to be one of the most superior underwater ships in the UK fleet, travelled almost 5,500 miles in the sea, from Perth, Australia, to reach the area. It is also the 5th submarine of this type accompanying ships like the HMS Astute, Ambush, Artful and Audacious.
The deployment will place the submarine well within the warring area, which it might respond swiftly in case the hostilities intensify further, especially with Iran. The deployment is however yet to be confirmed by the UK Ministry of Defence and its operational role.
This is through increased tensions over Strait of Hormuz within which Iran has been reported to have caused maritime traffic jam and is also reported to have affected global routes of oil supply. The Strait of Hormuz is a major route in the international energy transportation and any disturbance is well felt across the economic layers.
As an outcome to this, 22 countries, the UK being part of them, have collectively decried attacks on vessels in the Gulf region and demanded the resumption of safe passage.
The previous presence of the submarine in Australia was associated with the AUKUS alliance between the UK, the US, and Australia, and therefore bears a larger strategic value. The recent deployment highlights the increased concern in the world with regards to the increasing conflict and possible effects on regional and international security.