'Best of British' powerful Royal Navy new nuclear submarine HMS Agamemnon at sea for first time
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She is the sixth of the Royal Navy’s cutting-edge hunter killer submarines
A powerful new nuclear submarine that embodies the ‘best of British’ has gone to sea for the first time.
HMS Agamemnon, the latest of the six Astute-class hunter killer submarines, has sailed from Barrow where she was built and tested over the past 13 years. She will now conduct trials and training before being sent to HMNB Clyde.
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First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said: “In an increasingly dangerous world, sea power remains fundamental to keeping our country and people safe. Our submarine fleet is essential to that effort, which is why I am delighted that HMS Agamemnon, the sixth of our Astute-class submarines, has now begun sea trials and will soon arrive at HMNB Clyde to join the fleet.
“She embodies the best of British engineering and the professionalism of our submariners and will be one of the most advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy. As we continue to strengthen our warfighting readiness, HMS Agamemnon will play a central role in keeping the United Kingdom safe, contributing to NATO’s collective defence and ensuring we are ready to lead, fight and win.”
HMS Agamemnon’s mission will be to safeguard submarines carrying nation’s nuclear deterrent from interference from our adversaries. She can attack key targets on land using her Tomahawk cruise missiles, take out hostile submersibles with her heavyweight Spearfish torpedoes, launch raids by Royal Marines commandos, and use her extensive suite of sensors to gather intelligence.
Known by crew as ‘Awesome Aggie’ the 7,000-tonne boat was formally commissioned into the Royal Navy 12 months in the presence of King Charles III. Since then her complex systems have undergone thorough testing in the hands of both her crew and industry experts and the boat has conducted her maiden dive in a specially-deepened basin which is part of BAE Systems’ complex.
It took a long-planned two-day operation for the submarine to leave Barrow. HMS Agamemnon had to navigate various docks and intricate locks before reaching the open waters of the Irish Sea.
The boat is the sixth Royal Navy to bear the name which she takes from mythology and the King of Mycenae who led Greek forces in the siege of Troy. Just one more Astute-class boat remains to be finished to complete the septet; HMS Achilles is in the later stages of construction in the Devonshire Dock Hall complex which dominates the Barrow skyline.
Prime minister Andy Burnham said: “Having seen first-hand the dedication and pride of the workforce in Barrow, and that of the thousands of people who work across our submarine supply chain in the United Kingdom, I know how much this milestone will mean to each and every one of them. As one of the most advanced submarines ever built, HMS Agamemnon will play a major role in further boosting our security here at home and across NATO.”
Chief of Defence Nuclear, Maddy McTernan, added: “HMS Agamemnon’s departure is a significant moment for the UK’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise and is a clear demonstration of the engineering and industrial excellence of the Barrow workforce and across the wider UK supply chain. Submarine production will continue to boost British industry for decades to come backed by the commitments announced in the recent Defence Investment Plan.”