The sixth Astute class submarine – named after the ancient Greek king Agamemnon – for the British Navy has been completed at the Barrow submarine yard of BAE Systems submarine shipyard. This will allow the “Agamemnon” to undergo the next phase of the testing and commissioning program before leaving Barrow for sea trials with the Royal Navy.
The Royal Navy has ordered a total of seven of these nuclear-powered submarines from BAE Systems. The first five submarines of the class – “HMS Astute”, “HMS Ambush”, “HMS Artful”, “HMS Audacious” and “HMS Anson” – have already been handed over to the British Navy, while work on the last Astute boat, “Agincourt”, is currently still underway. https://militaeraktuell.at/hensoldt-eurofighter-service-bundeswehr/ “This is an extremely important milestone for everyone at BAE Systems, Defence Nuclear Enterprise and the Royal Navy,” said Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems Submarines. He also reminded the company of the work ahead: “Submarines are a vital part of the UK’s defense capability and we must now work together to ensure Agamemnon is ready to join her sister submarines in service with the Royal Navy.” Modern nuclear technology means that the Astute class boats never need to be refueled. As they also produce their own oxygen and drinking water for the 98 crew members, this means they can circumnavigate the globe without surfacing. Like Timms, the Agamemnon’s Commanding Officer, Commander David “Bing” Crosby, reminded the crew of the work still to be done: “There is still a lot to do before we can launch Agamemnon from Barrow, but the entire crew should be proud of what they have achieved so far on this build.”
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