New Astute class submarine named after Greek king at Barrow shipyard

A new Royal Navy submarine being built in Barrow-in-Furness has been officially named after the ancient Greek king Agamemnon.

The Royal Navy’s latest Astute Class submarine has been officially named at BAE Systems is the sixth of seven Astute submarines being built by the Company. 

She is due to be launched later this year, ahead of being commissioned into the Royal Navy.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister for Defence Procurement and included an address by the boat's Lady Sponsor, Lady SJ Sedwill, the wife of former UK National Security Adviser Lord Mark Sedwill. Agamemnon was then blessed and christened, with a bottle of beer from the local Ulverston Brewing Company smashed against her hull.

 Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines, said: ‘’This is a key milestone for Agamemnon and the UK nuclear submarine programme, and contributes to the Government's Defence Nuclear Enterprise Command Paper, which underpinned the importance of our business and Barrow in delivering this national endeavour.

‘’The Astute Class submarines are a vital component of our nation's defence capabilities and we are fully focused on completing the remainder of Agamemnon's programme so she can join her sister submarines in service with the Royal Navy.’’

Five Astute Class submarines are already in service, while work is also well under way in Barrow on the seventh and final boat.

James Cartlidge, Minister for Defence Procurement, said: ‘’HMS Agamemnon will play a vital role in defence of the nation, providing our Armed Forces with a competitive edge for decades to come.

‘’The Astute Class programme continues to support tens of thousands of jobs, with these submarines being a leading example of our commitment to investing in British sovereign capabilities.’’

At 97 metres long and weighing 7,400 tonnes, advanced nuclear technology means the Astute Class submarines never need to be refuelled. They can manufacture their own oxygen and fresh water from the ocean and are able to circumnavigate the globe without surfacing.

Equipped with world-leading sensors, the Astute Class carry both Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM) and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes.

As the home of UK submarine design and build, the UK Government, through the Ministry of Defence are investing with BAE Systems to expand the Barrow shipyard in preparation for an exciting future. In addition to the Astute Class, construction is underway on the first three boats in the Dreadnought Class, which is the next generation of nuclear deterrent submarines that will replace the current Vanguard Class.