Agamemnon sailed from BAE Systems’ Barrow shipyard on 25 September with a crew of around 100 submariners. Testing of her performance, manoeuvrability, speed and seaworthiness will continue over the coming weeks and months.
The submarine conducted her first sea dive in the Inner Hebrides Exercise Areas during the journey from Barrow. A Royal Navy Merlin helicopter supported the activity.
“The first dive for any submarine is a significant achievement in its generation,” said Commander John Gabb, Agamemnon’s commanding officer. “While this time we were being supported by a Merlin helicopter, it will not be long before we are conducting realistic pre-operational training using the same aircraft to simulate the enemy.”
Gabb said future training would test the crew and submarine’s ability to operate undetected. The crew will build familiarity with the vessel as preparations for operations continue.
“The arrival of HMS Agamemnon at HM Naval Base Clyde is a significant milestone for the Royal Navy,” said Rear Admiral Andy Perks, Director Submarines. “As she begins a demanding programme of sea trials and operational preparation, I am delighted to welcome the Submarine and her Ship’s Company to their new home on the Clyde, and I look forward to seeing them join the operational fleet in due course.”
Members of the Submarine Flotilla welcomed Agamemnon alongside senior naval officers. Her arrival coincided with the 125th anniversary of the launch of Holland 1, the Royal Navy’s first submarine.
“Welcoming HMS Agamemnon, the newest submarine of the Flotilla into her new home at HM Naval Base Clyde is a special moment for our Service,” said Commodore Ben Haskins, Commander of the Submarine Flotilla. “To get here the crew have conducted themselves with the professionalism and dedication that is expected from every one of our submariners.”
Agamemnon’s keel was laid in July 2013, and King Charles III commissioned her on 22 September 2025. Her first trim dive followed in October 2025 at Barrow’s Devonshire Dock Hall, where she submerged to approximately 15 metres.
“It is an enormous privilege to be the first person to command this vessel at sea,” Gabb said. “We will get to know Agamemnon well over the coming months, but this submarine is incredibly quiet, has a world-class Sonar and will be home to us all as we generate for operations.”
HMS Astute, Ambush, Artful, Audacious and Anson are already in service with the Royal Navy. Agamemnon will join them operationally after completing her trials, while HMS Achilles, the seventh and final vessel, remains under construction at Barrow.
The Astute class uses video technology instead of optical periscopes and can circumnavigate the globe submerged. The submarines produce their own oxygen and drinking water.
Their weapons include Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, capable of striking ground targets hundreds of miles inland. They also carry Spearfish torpedoes, which can attack targets up to 30 miles away at low speed.
