A nuclear-powered submarine from the Royal British Navy has arrived in the Arabian Sea with the capability to launch strikes against Iran should the conflict escalate. Military sources indicate the HMS Anson is equipped to deliver cruise missile attacks.
Daily Mail reports that the HMS Anson, armed with Tomahawk Block IV land-attack missiles boasting a range of 1,000 miles and heavy Spearfish torpedoes, departed a port in Perth on March 6 and is believed to be taking position in the northern waters of the Arabian Sea.
This deployment provides British forces with the capacity to strike targets within Iran if tensions continue to rise. The news comes after Downing Street announced that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has agreed to allow the U.S. To utilize British bases for potential strikes against Iranian sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz.
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Starmer initially authorized the use of British bases by U.S. Forces for purely defensive operations, aimed at preventing Iranian missile attacks that could endanger British interests or lives. He has now approved an expansion of potential targets to help protect shipping lanes under the principle of ‘collective self-defense.’
Having traveled 5,500 miles from the west coast of Australia, the HMS Anson is reportedly surfacing almost daily to establish communication with the British military bunker at the Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) in Northwood, London.
Defense sources say that at PJHQ, Lieutenant General Nick Perry, the head of joint operations, will issue firing orders if authorized by the Prime Minister. The HMS Anson would then ascend closer to the surface and launch a salvo of four missiles.
The advanced submarine, based in Faslane, Scotland, does not utilize a standard periscope, instead displaying surface views on large television screens.
Its nuclear reactor means the vessel does not require refueling during its 25-year lifespan, while its ability to purify water and air allows it to circumnavigate the globe without surfacing.
However, this is limited by the fact that the submarine can only carry three months of food supplies for its 98 officers and crew.
One source stated: “Anson will lie quietly. The Prime Minister and the Commander of Maritime Operations will be told where the vessel is – and, of course, the Submarine Service – but its location won’t be widely known.”
“The Navy quickly gets a submarine into position and can then leave it there for weeks.”
“If needed, the vessel will operate in silence, so no showers, no flushing toilets, and lots of people bathing in one tub of water. It will smell pretty ripe.”
The Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the location of the HMS Anson. A spokesperson said: “We do not comment on the details of current operations or deployments.”
“We continually monitor our capabilities in the region.”
Tonton juga video “Serangan Balasan, Iran Kirim Rudal ke Fasilitas Nuklir Israel”
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