The Royal Navy’s boost in launching a nuclear attack submarine | UK | News

The Royal Navy’s newest attack submarine, HMS Agamemnon, was launched today at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

The submarine, named after the ancient Greek king, is the sixth of seven submarines produced by the company.

Weighing just over 7,400 tonnes and measuring 97 meters in length, the impressive capacity will now enter a period of rigorous testing as it begins a lengthy commissioning process prior to sea trials and entry into service.

Commander David ‘Bing’ Crosby, Agamemnon’s commanding officer, said: “There is still plenty to do until we can move Agamemnon out of Barrow, but the entire staff should be proud of what they have achieved with this build so far.

“I look forward to working with our friends at BAE Systems, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the wider Defense Nuclear Enterprise to take Agamemnon through these final tests.”

Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems Submarines said: “This is a hugely important milestone for everyone at BAE Systems, the Defense Nuclear Enterprise and the Royal Navy.

“The design and construction of a nuclear-powered submarine is incredibly complex and a truly national undertaking.”

The submarine is the latest in a class of submarines that are the most technologically advanced the Royal Navy has ever had.

It will carry a wide range of modern weapons, including Tomahawk missiles with a range of 1,000 miles, as well as state-of-the-art detection and navigation equipment.

BAE System’s Barrow site has become critical to the Ministry of Defense’s ability to design and build advanced nuclear-powered submarines.

As well as working on the seventh and final Astute submarine, the site will also play a fundamental role in the development of submarines for Australia as part of the AUKUS agreement, which will generate UK jobs and facilitate intelligence sharing and cooperation with US and Australian partners will increase.