Royal Navy plans to add two nuclear-powered attack submarines to its arsenal. Last week, King Charles III welcomed HMS Agamemnon, named after the war-hungry mythical Greek king, into service. HMS Agamemnon became the sixth of the seven Astute class boats that will be commissioned into service. The nuclear-powered vessel, which weighs 7,400 tonnes and is 97 metres long, will now complete her test and commissioning programme, before leaving Barrow for sea trials.
On the same day, BAE Systems began the construction of a Dreadnought-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. Defence Secretary John Healey officially started the construction on HMS King George VI — the fourth and final Dreadnought-class submarine, built in partnership with the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise to carry the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
The Dreadnought-class submarines, scheduled to enter service in the early 2030s, will replace the Vanguard-class boats that currently deliver the Royal Navy’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent. This mission underpins the nation’s defence as the ultimate security guarantee, with at least one submarine on patrol at an unknown location every minute of every day.
Steve Timms, Managing Director, BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said: “It’s a privilege to host these ceremonies at our shipyard. Cutting steel on the fourth Dreadnought submarine demonstrates the significant progress we’ve made on the programme, whilst the sixth Astute class boat, HMS Agamemnon, joins the long and distinguished list of Barrow-built vessels to be commissioned into the Royal Navy.
“The enduring partnership between our Barrow shipyard and the Navy dates back to the Victorian age and our role as the UK’s home of submarine design and build is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, added: “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.”
King Charles also visited Barrow Town Hall, where he conferred Royal Port status on the town in recognition of its 120-year legacy as the home of UK submarine construction.
