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BAE Systems is delivering seven Astute class submarines, five boats have already been commissioned into service: HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful, HMS Audacious, HMS Anson.
Boats 6 Agamemnon is being tested prior to commissioning in Barrow's Devonshire Dock. It was formally named HMS Agamemnon in spring 2024.
Boat 7 Agincourt is progressing with its dry phases of construction in DDH.
The Astute class submarines are the largest, most advanced and powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy, combining world-leading sensors, design and weaponry in a versatile vessel.
The submarines are armed with Spearfish torpedoes, Tomahawk land cruise missiles and intelligence gathering capabilities. They also protect the nuclear deterrent and Maritime Task Groups. Astute Class submarines are designed to be adaptable throughout their life with modular systems to reduce the cost of upgrades.
The SDA Annual Report of 17th December 2024 reveals an Astute programme review was submitted for final approval in March 2024. SDA says it "continues to improve build performance and work collaboratively with BAE Systems to stabilise the programme, mitigate risks and realise opportunities," noting that "The complexities of a major submarine programme, supplier performance and the significance of the ‘last of Class’ risk mean the final years of the Astute programme will require significant focus and drive."
Operational Support facilities at Devonport.
A £750m contract has been awarded to Babcock International to develop the necessary infrastructure for the deep maintenance of Astute Class submarines. The Submarine Waterfront Infrastructure Future programme, part of a larger portfolio of infrastructure projects at Devonport, will deliver a new submarine dock, non-tidal berth, and cross site facilities. The construction phase is expected to create an additional 1,000 jobs as it gathers pace.
The next 12 months which will see both vanguard class boat HMS Victorious in 9 Dock and Astute class boat HMS Audacious in 15 Dock for its own displaced maintenance and docking period at Devonport.
References:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/submarine-delivery-agency-sda-annual-report-and-accounts-2023-to-2024
https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/equipment/submarine/astute-class
https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/product/astute-class-submarines
https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/optimising-readiness-uk-astute-fleet
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