The Royal Navy’s newest submarine HMS Agamemnon is undergoing her test and commissioning programme ahead of leaving Barrow for sea trials.
The attack submarine is the penultimate of seven planned Astute-class boats; she was commissioned in a special ceremony attended by King Charles III in Barrow on Monday.
And in a day of firsts, the monarch conferred Royal status on the town to honour its 120-year history as the home of U.K. submarine construction. Meanwhile, BAE Systems welcomed Defence Secretary John Healey as steel was cut on the fourth and final Dreadnought-class boat, King George VI, marking the start of her construction.
The first boat in the class, the future HMS Dreadnought, is currently due to enter service in the early 2030s. As they take on active duties she and her sister submarines will provide the next generation of the U.K.’s nuclear deterrence, taking on continuous at-sea deterrence (CASD) duties from the Vanguard-class boats.
The Astute-class boats’ roles are varied; HMS Agamemnon will soon be conducting patrols in the Atlantic and beyond, protecting maritime task groups, supporting special forces and providing intelligence for U.K. and NATO operations.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, remarked: “The commissioning of the sixth Astute class submarine, HMS Agamemnon, and the steel cut for the fourth Dreadnought-class submarine, HMS King George VI, mark significant milestones in the Royal Navy’s enduring commitment to safeguarding our nation.
“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the exceptional workforce at Barrow, whose dedication, skill, and innovation continue to drive forward these vital programmes, ensuring the Royal Navy remains at the forefront of global maritime defence.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP commented: “Submarine building is a vital U.K. industry, sustaining thousands of jobs and apprenticeships up and down the country, all while continuing to keep the country safe around the clock.
“Barrow is an outstanding example of security and growth working hand-in-hand — adding a new attack submarine to the Royal Navy’s fleet, building the next generation of nuclear-armed submarines, and simultaneously supporting thousands of skilled local jobs and apprenticeships.”
And Chief of Defence Nuclear Madelaine McTernan noted: “The steel-cutting of the fourth boat in the Dreadnought class is a significant milestone marking positive progress in this extraordinary programme.
“Delivering these submarines is a truly national endeavour with a vast UK supply chain, culminating in the build at the Royal Port of Barrow. It is a proud moment for the thousands who contribute to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.”
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive BAE Systems added: “This is a proud day for Barrow and everyone involved in the wider U.K. submarine enterprise who are working collaboratively to deliver the Dreadnought and Astute class submarines.”
- You can read more details on the U.K. Government website and the BAE Systems website