The UK’s newest Astute-class submarine, HMS Agamemnon, has taken a major step towards mission readiness as it leaves BAE Systems’ shipyard in the Royal Port of Barrow-in-Furness and heads out to open sea for the first time.
The 7,400-tonne, 97-metre-long attack vessel’s maiden journey began by traversing the shipyard's dock system to reach the Walney Channel and on into the Irish Sea.
The Astute class submarines are equipped with the latest technologies to silently circumnavigate the globe without surfacing, whilst fulfilling a range of tactical roles for the Royal Navy.
The departure of HMS Agamemnon, the sixth of seven such submarines that we are building here in Barrow, demonstrates the growing momentum underpinning our submarines business and is a proud moment for everyone involved across the UK’s submarine enterprise.
Steve Timms
Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines business
HMS Agamemnon will now undertake sea trials before joining fellow hunter-killer submarines HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful, HMS Audacious and HMS Anson in operational service with the Royal Navy.
In an increasingly dangerous world, sea power remains fundamental to keeping our country and people safe. Our submarine fleet is essential to that effort, which is why I am delighted that HMS Agamemnon, the sixth of our Astute-class submarines, has now begun sea trials and will soon arrive at HMNB Clyde to join the fleet.
She embodies the best of British engineering and the professionalism of our submariners and will be one of the most advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.
As we continue to strengthen our warfighting readiness, HMS Agamemnon will play a vital role in keeping the United Kingdom safe, contributing to NATO’s collective defence, and ensuring we are ready to lead, fight and win.
With BAE Systems having delivered the first six Astute-class submarines, progress on the final boat, Achilles, is at an advanced stage of construction.
Barrow, which King Charles III bestowed Royal Port status on last year, continues to play its part as a cornerstone of UK national security with construction of all four of the Dreadnought-class submarines, which will replace the Royal Navy's Vanguard-class nuclear deterrent boats, already under way.
BAE Systems is also undertaking early design and concept work for the Royal Navy's next generation of submarines, which will eventually replace the Astute class, referred to as SSN-AUKUS.
To deliver these complex programmes, BAE Systems and the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise continue to invest in infrastructure, new technologies and developing the next generation of talent.
