The British love to send threatening signals to Russia, even as their military capability diminishes. The latest signal was the departure of an armed nuclear-powered attack submarine from Gibraltar. “Public confirmation of submarine movements is extremely rare, with the U.K. traditionally maintaining strict operational silence around the location and activity of its nuclear-powered attack boats,” reported the UK Defence Journal on Jan. 27. “The submarine involved is understood to be HMS Anson, an Astute-class attack submarine which arrived in Gibraltar last week after sailing from HM Naval Base Clyde on 10 January.”
Furthermore, “Defense officials almost never comment on whether submarines are armed, where they are operating, or when they are entering or leaving ports, making the statement notable in the current security climate.” UKDJ indicates that HMS Anson may be deploying to Australia to maintain a presence in the Pacific as part of Britain’s commitment to the AUKUS submarine deal with that country and the U.S.
