Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Thursday, 4 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 June 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

AUKUS: Nuclear Submarines

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled Cutting-edge underwater tech for AUKUS forces to be developed through landmark partnership, published on 30 May 2026, from what month and year will the first UK deployment of an Astute-class submarine to Submarine Rotational Force-West take place.

Answer: Submarine Rotational Force-West is on track to be established in 2027, as confirmed in the joint AUKUS Defence Ministers’ statement of 30 May 2026. The UK has reaffirmed its commitment to maintain a rotational presence as part of Submarine Rotational Force-West. As I am certain the hon. Member will know already the specific scheduling of individual submarine deployments is not published, as to do so could prejudice operational security.

Secondary information