Royal Navy's 'most advanced hunter-killer' submarine to operate out of Clyde base

The Royal Navy has launched its ‘most advanced hunter-killer’ submarine, which will operate out of the Clyde base in Faslane.

HMS Agamemnon, which is the sixth of seven Astute-class submarines, has entered the water for the first time at BAE Systems’ facility in Barrow.

The vessel, named after the Greek king who besieged Troy, will be tasked with shielding the UK’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carrier task groups from hostile threats, gathering intelligence, launching Royal Marine raids and striking at the UK’s enemies on land with pinpoint accuracy through her Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Agamemnon’s commanding officer commander, David ‘Bing’ Crosby said: “It is fantastic to finally get Awesome Aggie into the water in preparation for the final stages of build and commissioning of this extremely complex and highly capable submarine.

“While the roll out and launch is not as exciting as a historic dynamic launch on a slipway, it does have periods of excitement – and it has taken months of detailed planning across the entire build enterprise to get safely to this stage.

“The days of the actual launch have been long, but ultimately, it is a very special period for all involved and one that they and their families, as well as the people of Barrow, should be extremely proud of.”

HMS Agamemnon has entered for the water for the first time in Barrow BAE Systems

Managing director of BAE Systems Submarines, Steven Timms, believes the launch is a “hugely significant milestone for everyone” involved with Agamemnon and the Astute programme.

He said: “The design and build of a nuclear-powered submarine is incredibly complex and a truly national endeavour, and I pay tribute to the thousands of highly-skilled people who have helped get Agamemnon to this stage,

“Submarines are a vital component of the UK’s defence capabilities and we must now work collectively to ensure Agamemnon is ready to join her sister submarines in service with the Royal Navy as soon as possible.”

HMS Agamemnon will travel north once final tests have been carried out in Barrow.