His Majesty King Charles III has visited BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness to welcome the UK’s newest attack submarine into the Royal Navy.
During the ceremony, HMS Agamemnon – named after a mythical ancient Greek king – became the sixth of the seven Astute class boats that will be commissioned into service.
The nuclear-powered vessel, which weighs 7,400 tonnes and is 97m long, will now complete her test and commissioning programme, before leaving Barrow for sea trials.
Earlier in the day, Defence Secretary, John Healey, cut the first steel to officially start construction of the last of four Dreadnought submarines, HMS King George VI, which BAE Systems is building in partnership with the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise to carry the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
The Dreadnought submarines, due to enter service from the early 2030s, are the replacement for the Vanguard-class submarines, which currently deliver the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) for the Royal Navy. The critical role underpins the nation’s defence as the ultimate security guarantee and sees at least one of the boats deployed in an unknown location at sea every minute of every day.
Steve Timms, Managing Director, BAE Systems’ Submarines business said: “It’s a privilege to host these ceremonies at our shipyard. Cutting steel on the fourth Dreadnought submarine demonstrates the significant progress we’ve made on the programme, whilst the sixth Astute class boat, HMS Agamemnon, joins the long and distinguished list of Barrow-built vessels to be commissioned into the Royal Navy.
“The enduring partnership between our Barrow shipyard and the Navy dates back to the Victorian age and our role as the UK’s home of submarine design and build is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
The commissioning of the sixth Astute class submarine, HMS Agamemnon, and the steel cut for the fourth Dreadnought-class submarine, HMS King George VI, mark significant milestones in the Royal Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the UK.
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff: commented: “I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the exceptional workforce at Barrow, whose dedication, skill, and innovation continue to drive forward these vital programmes, ensuring the Royal Navy remains at the forefront of global maritime defence.”
During the visit to Barrow, His Majesty also bestowed Royal Port status on the town in honour of its 120-year history as the home of UK submarine construction.
