Sixth Astute Class submarine launched in Cumbria

HMS Agamemnon is the sixth of seven Astute Class submarines, all of which have been designed and built at BAE’s Barrow shipyard, which was founded in 1871 and launched its first submarine in 1886.  

The 7,400 tonnes nuclear-powered boat rolled out of the Devonshire Dock Hall and entered the water for the first time on October 3, 2024.

Steve Timms, managing director, BAE Systems Submarines, said the launch is ‘a hugely significant milestone’.

“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 HMS Agamemnon to this stage,” Timms said in a statement. "Submarines are a vital component of the UK's defence capabilities and we must now work collectively to ensure HMS Agamemnon is ready to join her sister submarines in service with the Royal Navy."

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

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

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

Astute-class submarines are armed with Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM) and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes. Their nuclear power plant does not need to be refuelled, and they can circumnavigate the globe without surfacing because they manufacture their own oxygen and drinking water for their 98 crew members.

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.