March 21 (Reuters) - A British nuclear-powered submarine equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles has taken position in the Arabian Sea, giving Britain the capability to launch long-range strikes if
UK Deploys Nuclear Submarine to Arabian Sea, Increases Regional Strike Capability
British Submarine Deployment and Regional Security Implications
Details of the Deployment
March 21 (Reuters) - A British nuclear-powered submarine equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles has taken position in the Arabian Sea, giving Britain the capability to launch long-range strikes if regional conflict escalates, the Daily Mail reported on Saturday.
Verification and Official Response
Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The British Ministry of Defence did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Capabilities and Operations of HMS Anson
Armament and Journey
HMS Anson, armed with Tomahawk Block IV missiles and Spearfish torpedoes, left Perth earlier this month and travelled roughly 5,500 miles to the region, the Daily Mail said.
Communication and Launch Protocol
The submarine surfaces periodically to communicate with the UK's Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, where any launch order would be authorised by the prime minister and conveyed by the chief of joint operations, the report added.
Context of the Deployment
Authorization for US Strikes
Downing Street's Decision
The deployment comes after Downing Street authorised the U.S. to use British bases for strikes on Iranian sites threatening the Strait of Hormuz.
(Reporting by Rajveer Singh Pardesi in Bengaluru; Editing by Nia Williams)
