The 97-metre submarine was built and tested in Barrow over 13 years by engineers, technicians, software developers and shipwrights working with its 100-strong crew. Its maiden voyage began with a planned two-day passage through the shipyard’s dock system and the narrow Walney Channel before reaching the Irish Sea.
“The Astute class submarines are equipped with the latest technologies to silently circumnavigate the globe without surfacing, whilst fulfilling a range of tactical roles for the Royal Navy,” said Steve Timms, managing director of BAE Systems’ Submarines business. “The departure of HMS Agamemnon, the sixth of seven such submarines that we are building here in Barrow, demonstrates the growing momentum underpinning our submarines business and is a proud moment for everyone involved across the UK’s submarine enterprise.”
Agamemnon will help protect the submarines carrying Britain’s nuclear deterrent from interference by adversaries. It can also strike land targets with Tomahawk cruise missiles, engage hostile submarines and warships with Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes, support Royal Marines raids and gather intelligence.
“In an increasingly dangerous world, sea power remains fundamental to keeping our country and people safe,” said First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins. “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.”
Agamemnon was formally commissioned into the Royal Navy 12 months before its departure from Barrow, at a ceremony attended by the King. Its crew and industry specialists have since tested the submarine’s systems and completed its maiden dive in a deepened basin at the BAE Systems complex.
Following sea trials and crew training, Agamemnon will join HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful, HMS Audacious and HMS Anson in operational service. HMS Achilles, the seventh and final Astute-class submarine, is at an advanced stage of construction in Barrow.
Barrow, which received Royal Port status from King Charles III last year, is also building all four Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines. The new boats will replace the Royal Navy’s Vanguard-class submarines carrying the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
BAE Systems is also conducting early design and concept work on SSN-AUKUS, the next-generation attack submarine intended to replace the Astute class. The company and the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise are investing in infrastructure, new technologies and workforce development to support the Astute, Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS programmes.
