Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Sixth Astute Class submarine launched

Defence

Sixth Astute Class submarine launched

Agamemnon, the latest Royal Navy Astute Class attack submarine, has been launched at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

Image courtesy BAE Systems

Named after the ancient Greek king, Agamemnon is the sixth of seven Astute Class submarines, all of which have been designed and built at the Company's historic Barrow shipyard – home of UK submarine building.

The nuclear-powered boat, which weighs in at 7,400 tonnes and is 97 metres long, rolled out of the Devonshire Dock Hall and entered the water for the first time today.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Agamemnon will now begin the next phase of its test and commissioning programme, before leaving Barrow for sea trials with the Royal Navy.

Steve Timms, Managing Director, BAE Systems Submarines, said: "This is a hugely significant milestone for everyone at BAE Systems, the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and the Royal Navy.

"The design and build of a nuclear-powered submarine is incredibly complex and a truly national endeavour and I pay tribute to the thousands of highly-skilled people who have helped get Agamemnon to this stage.

"Submarines are a vital component of the UK's defence capabilities and we must now work collectively to ensure Agamemnon is ready to join her sister submarines in service with the Royal Navy."     

Agamemnon Commanding Officer, Commander David ‘Bing’ Crosby, said: "There is still plenty to do until we get to exit Agamemnon from Barrow, but the entire workforce should be full of pride for what they have achieved with this build so far.

Advertisement
ODU RT

"I am looking forward to working with our friends at BAE Systems, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise to get Agamemnon through these final tests and ready for her exit from Barrow."

The Astute Class boats are the largest and most advanced attack submarines ever built for the Royal Navy. Their state-of-the-art nuclear technology means they never need to be refuelled and, as they manufacture their own oxygen and drinking water for their 98 crew members, they are able to circumnavigate the globe without surfacing.

The first five submarines in the class, HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful, HMS Audacious and HMS Anson, have been handed over to the Royal Navy, with work well underway for the final Astute boat, Agincourt.

The final Astute Class submarine, Agincourt, is in an advanced stage of manufacture inside the Devonshire Dock Hall. Working alongside the Submarine Delivery Agency and Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems is also a member of the Dreadnought Alliance, helping to deliver the UK's next class of nuclear deterrent submarines.
 
BAE Systems provide some of the world’s most advanced, tech-led defence, aerospace and security solutions, employing a skilled workforce of around 100,000 people in more than 40 countries.

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Titan secures key accreditations

Aerospace Defence

Titan secures key accreditations

2 May 2025

Titan Manufacturing - based in Weymouth, Dorset - has achieved two significant accreditations that position the company as a trusted supplier for military and defence contracts.

UK-made RAF drones become operational

Defence

UK-made RAF drones become operational

2 May 2025

The Royal Air Force’s new UK made drones - known as StormShroud - came into operation today.

Arondite raises $12m to connect defence systems with AI

Defence

Arondite raises $12m to connect defence systems with AI

2 May 2025

British company Arondite - which is building AI to transform how defence organisations safely deliver 'human-machine' teaming at scale - has secured over $12 million in funding from leading global investors.

SubSea Craft unveils MARS USV

Defence

SubSea Craft unveils MARS USV

1 May 2025

British advanced maritime tech company SubSea Craft (SSC) has unveiled a new Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) capability, MARS, marking the company’s second product offering following the success of its VICTA diver delivery platform.

Advertisement
ODU RT
SEA secures contract with Thales to support Royal Navy ships

Defence

SEA secures contract with Thales to support Royal Navy ships

1 May 2025

SEA has secured a 15-year contract with Thales as part of the Maritime Sensor Enhancement Team (MSET) programme.

Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

1 May 2025

Kahootz and Shipley UK have announced a strategic partnership to enhance opportunity capture and bid management capabilities.

Advertisement
ODU RT