British hunter-killer nuclear submarine in Gibraltar after long Mediterranean patrol
One of Britain´s latest nuclear submarines has docked in Gibraltar after a long Mediterranean patrol which has seen her tracking the Russian navy. HMS Audacious is returning home after many months of operations across the Mediterranean. An Astute class submarine she is one of the most sophisticated in the world and her nuclear reactor allows her to stay submerged for many weeks.
Last year as she sailed on her maiden deployment she was photographed loading Tomahawk cruise missiles at Gibraltar as tensions between the West and Russian over Ukraine were at boiling point.
She has been based in Greece and the majority of her operations were in the eastern Mediterranean.
In the first half of 2022, the submarine operated in tandem with NATO forces in the eastern Mediterranean. She was again reported in the eastern Mediterranean in early 2023, including stopping for a rest and maintenance period in Limassol Cyprus.
The Spanish Environmental Group Verdemar- Ecologistas En Accion has condemned the visit by a nuclear powered submarine to the Naval Base.
It claims HMS Audacious is carrying out repairs to its auxiliary engines on the Rock with the smoke visible in the Bay.
The Spanish Environmentalists claim the Naval Base is turning into an X Berth.