The Royal Navy marked a significant milestone with the commissioning of its latest Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarine and the commencement of construction on the final Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarine. The ceremonies took place at the BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness shipyard in England, attracting around 500 esteemed guests, including King Charles III and Defence Secretary John Healey, alongside military leaders and political figures.
In a notable departure from naval tradition, King Charles III personally read the commissioning warrant for the Astute-class submarine, thereby formally declaring it ready for active service. Earlier in the day, Defence Secretary Healey marked the initiation of the Dreadnought-class project by cutting the first steel for the submarine’s construction.
The new Astute-class submarine, named HMS Agamemnon in honor of the legendary Greek king, is the sixth of seven vessels in this class to enter service. Following its commissioning, HMS Agamemnon is set to undergo final testing and commissioning before embarking on sea trials after departing Barrow.
Simultaneously, the future HMS King George VI, named after King Charles’ grandfather, will join a fleet designed to replace the Vanguard-class submarines. These vessels have been crucial in executing Operation Relentless, the Royal Navy’s continuous at-sea deterrent mission, which has been maintained without interruption since 1969.
Steve Timms, the managing director of BAE Systems’ Submarines business, emphasized the dual significance of these milestones, highlighting both progress and tradition at the Barrow shipyard. He remarked that the cutting of steel for the fourth Dreadnought submarine underscores the considerable advancements made in the program, while the commissioning of HMS Agamemnon adds to Barrow’s rich legacy of contributing to the Royal Navy.
Describing the enduring partnership between the Barrow shipyard and the Navy, Timms noted its historical roots dating back to the Victorian era, reflecting pride in its role as the UK’s center for submarine design and construction.
The Astute-class submarines are built to replace the previously deployed Trafalgar class introduced in the 1980s. Each submarine measures 97 meters (318 feet) in length, with a beam of 11 meters (36 feet) and a draught of 10 meters (32 feet). Powered by a Rolls-Royce PWR 2 nuclear reactor complemented by MTU diesel generators, these submarines have an unlimited range, constrained only by provisions and crew endurance. Capable of diving beyond 300 meters (980 feet) and achieving speeds of 30 knots (56 kilometers/35 miles per hour) while submerged, they carry a crew of 98 with the potential to accommodate up to 109 personnel. Their armament includes six 533-millimeter torpedo tubes, capable of holding 38 weapons, which include Tomahawk Block IV cruise missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes.
The Dreadnought-class submarines, the largest ever designed for the Royal Navy, span 154 meters (505 feet) in length and have the capacity for up to 130 crew members. These vessels utilize advanced propulsion systems, including the Rolls-Royce Pressurised Water Reactor 3, geared steam turbines, and a robust propeller shaft. With a maximum speed of 20 knots (37 kilometers/23 miles per hour) on the surface and 28 knots (52 kilometers/32 miles per hour) underwater, the Dreadnought also enjoys an effectively unlimited range, similarly limited only by food and crew endurance. It is equipped with heavyweight Spearfish 533-millimeter torpedoes and Lockheed Martin UGM-133A Trident II ballistic missiles, underscoring its critical role in national defense capabilities.
