Royal Navy launches incredible new £1.6bn nuclear submarine

HMS Agamemnon, the penultimate Astute-class submarine built for the UK’s Silent Service at a cost of £1.65billion, has been formally launched at BAE Systems’ facility in Barrow, underscoring the nation’s formidable naval power.

The unveiling follows a delicate operation to transport the 7,400-tonne boat, meaning 97 metres in length, from the construction hall into the neighbouring basin.

The Astute-class submarines are among the most sophisticated in the world – and Agamemnon is no exception.

Nicknamed ‘Awesome Aggie’, she is the sixth of seven Astute-class submarines built for the Royal Navy over the last 25 years. She is named after the legendary Greek king who besieged Troy.

When she joins the Fleet, Agamemnon will find herself at the cutting edge of submarine operations right through into the second half of the 21st century.

Her role will include shielding the UK’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carrier task groups from hostile threats, gathering intelligence, launching Royal Marine raids, and, if necessary, striking the UK’s enemies on land with pinpoint accuracy using Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Agamemnon’s Commanding Officer, Commander David ‘Bing’ Crosby, said: “It is fantastic to finally get Awesome Aggie into the water in preparation for the final stages of build and commissioning of this extremely complex and highly capable submarine.

“While the roll out and launch is not as exciting as an historic dynamic launch on a slipway, it does have periods of excitement – and it has taken months of detailed planning across the entire build enterprise to get safely to this stage.

“The days of the actual launch have been long but ultimately it is a very special period for all involved and one that they and their families, as well as the people of Barrow, should be extremely proud of.”

Commander Crosby has commanded three of Agamemnon’s older sister boats, HMS Astute, Artful and Anson, and will be responsible for getting the craft through the final commissioning phase and into service.

He added: “There is still plenty to do until we get to exit 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 enterprise to get Agamemnon through these final tests and in readiness for her exit from Barrow.”

The Astute class is known for its stealth, speed, and long-range endurance, being able to stay submerged indefinitely due to its nuclear reactor, only limited by the crew’s food supply. Each vessel is equipped with advanced sensors, the aforementioned Tomahawks, plus Spearfish torpedoes, providing significant offensive power.

One of the key features of the Astute class is its nuclear propulsion system, which allows it to remain underwater for months at a time without surfacing. This gives the Royal Navy unparalleled global reach, as these submarines can operate virtually anywhere in the world without the need for refuelling.

The submarines are also fitted with advanced sonar systems, reputedly the most sophisticated of any in service, enabling them to detect and track enemies at great distances. These submarines are also quieter than previous British subs, making them difficult to detect by adversaries.

The construction of the Astute-class submarines is an incredibly complex and expensive process. Each submarine costs around £1.65 billion (roughly $2 billion) to build, although the cost can vary depending on the specific boat and modifications.

Construction is carried out by BAE Systems at their shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness. Each vessel takes several years to complete, due to the precise engineering required and the sophisticated systems involved.

The Royal Navy justifies the high cost by pointing to the Astute’s advanced capabilities, strategic importance, and long operational lifespan, with the Astute class expected to remain in service for several decades.

They are seen as representing a crucial component of the UK’s naval strategy, enabling the Royal Navy to maintain a credible underwater deterrent and project power across the globe.