Sixth Astute Class Submarine for Royal Navy Launched

The Royal Navy’s sixth Astute Class submarine, named Agamemnon, has been launched at BAE Systems' shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

The nuclear-powered submarine, which weighs 7,400 tonnes and is 97 meters long, rolled out of Devonshire Dock Hall and entered the water for the first time today. Agamemnon is the latest addition to the Royal Navy's fleet of Astute Class attack submarines, all of which have been designed and built at the historic Barrow shipyard.

Agamemnon, named after the ancient Greek king, will now proceed to the next phase of its testing and commissioning before departing for sea trials. The submarine is part of a seven-boat series, with the first five—HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful, HMS Audacious, and HMS Anson—already in service. The final boat in the class, HMS Agincourt, is currently under construction.

Astute Class submarines are the largest attack submarines ever built for the Royal Navy. They feature nuclear technology that allows them to operate without refueling, and the ability to manufacture oxygen and drinking water on board enables them to remain submerged indefinitely.

The Astute-class submarines are advanced Royal Navy attack submarines, measuring 97 meters (318 ft) in length, with an 11.3-meter (37 ft) beam and a 10-meter (33 ft) draught. They displace 7,000-7,400 tons surfaced and 9,500 tons submerged. Capable of 30 knots (56 km/h) submerged and 10 knots (19 km/h) surfaced, they operate at depths over 300 meters (984 ft) with a 90-day endurance, limited by food and crew.

Armed with six 21-inch (533mm) torpedo tubes, they carry Tomahawk Block IV cruise missiles, Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes, and have land attack and missile defense capabilities. Their sensors include Thales Sonar 2076, Atlas DESO 25 echosounder, two Thales CM010 optronic masts, Raytheon Successor IFF, and a Tactical Information Exchange (TIE) system.

The propulsion system features a Rolls-Royce PWR 2 nuclear reactor, MTU 600-kilowatt diesel generators, and a pump-jet propulsor. The crew comprises 98 members, accommodated across two decks with 11 compartments. Additional features include air conditioning, climate control, waste management, recycling systems, and advanced communications.

Specifications may vary slightly among submarines, all capable of long missions without refueling while manufacturing their own oxygen and drinking water.