The Royal Navy’s newest Astute-class submarine HMS Agamemnon has sailed from the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness to begin her sea trials.
The nuclear-powered attack submarine is the penultimate vessel in the class of seven A-boats being constructed by BAE Systems for the Royal Navy. She is expected to achieve full operational capability and enter active frontline service in late 2027.
After a 14-year build and having first hit the water in October 2025, this week HMS Agamemnon sailed out of Barrow, headed for a series of sea trials and her home port of HMNB Clyde.
First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins commented: “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 central role in keeping the United Kingdom safe, contributing to NATO’s collective defence and ensuring we are ready to lead, fight and win.”
Prime Minister Andy Burnham added: “As one of the most advanced submarines ever built, HMS Agamemnon will play a major role in further boosting our security here at home and across NATO.”
The Astute-class boats are 97 metres long, displace 7,800 tonnes fully submerged, and are capable of at least 30 knots underwater. Their range and endurance is limited only by food supplies.
They have a core crew of 98 and can also accommodate additional Royal Marines commandos to launch raids when required.
The A-boats are armed with Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes to use against maritime targets and Tomahawk Block IV cruise missiles, which have a 1,000-mile-plus range, for land attack.
As well as being the sixth boat in her class, she is also the sixth Royal Navy vessel to bear the name, taken from the King of Mycenae who led Greek forces in the siege of Troy.
The final A-boat, the future HMS Achilles, is in the latter stages of construction at Barrow. The build was delayed by a fire in October 2024 inside the Devonshire Dock Hall assembly hall, but she is expected to be commissioned in 2028 or 2029.
The Astute-class submarines will eventually be succeeded by the SSN-AUKUS class, the first of which are due to enter service in the late 2030s. The Royal Australian Navy will field subamrines built to the same design.
The U.K. plans to build “up to 12” of the SSN-AUKUS boats, with a decision on the precise number set to be taken in 2028.
- You can read more details about HMS Agamemnon on the Royal Navy website and the U.K. Government website
