UK’s sixth Astute-class submarine named Agamemnon

The Royal Navy’s latest Astute-class submarine has been named at BAE Systems’ submarines site in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

Agamemnon – named after the ancient Greek king – is the sixth of seven Astute submarines being built by the company. The vessel is due to be launched later this year, ahead of being commissioned into the Royal Navy.

At 97 metres long and weighing 7,400 tonnes, advanced nuclear technology means the Astute-class submarines never need to be refueled, according to BAE. They can manufacture their own oxygen and fresh water from the ocean and are able to circumnavigate the globe without surfacing.

The submarines carry both Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM) and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes.

Five Astute-class submarines are already in service, while work is also well underway in Barrow on the seventh and final boat.

“HMS Agamemnon will play a vital role in defence of the nation, providing our Armed Forces with a competitive edge for decades to come. The Astute Class programme continues to support tens of thousands of jobs, with these submarines being a leading example of our commitment to investing in British sovereign capabilities,” James Cartlidge, Minister for Defence Procurement said.

The UK Government, through the Ministry of Defence, is investing with BAE Systems to expand the Barrow shipyard in preparation for an exciting future.

In addition to the Astuteclass, construction is underway on the first three boats in the Dreadnought-class, which is the next generation of nuclear deterrent submarines that will replace the current Vanguard-class.