Fourth Astute class boat named
The fourth submarine of the Royal Navy’s Astute class has been officially named Audacious during a ceremony at BAE Systems’ Submarines site in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
The 7,400 tonne, 97m long attack submarine will remain inside the site’s main construction facility – the Devonshire Dock Hall – in preparation for her launch in 2017.
BAE Systems is the prime contractor for the Astute programme. Seven nuclear-powered attack submarines are being designed, built, tested and commissioned under the programme.
Tony Johns, managing director of BAE Systems Submarines, said: ‘We have already delivered three highly-capable Astute class submarines to the Royal Navy and Audacious now takes another significant step towards joining her sister submarines.
‘This is a fitting end to a very important year for our business, in which we also began construction on the Dreadnought submarine programme and opened the first of our new facilities. The focus for Audacious now turns to getting her ready for launch next year.’
The first of class, HMS Astute, was handed over to the Royal Navy in July 2013 and is now in service. HMS Ambush has now completed the final phases of both UK and US sea trials.
Third of class, HMS Artful, was launched in April 2014. Artful is the most mature of any boat at this stage. Handed over to the Ministry of Defence in November 2015, she fired her first torpedo using the new UK-made advanced common combat system and officially joined the Royal Navy fleet following her commissioning ceremony in March 2016.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![New opportunities for defence firms as EU steps up support for Ukraine]()
New opportunities for defence firms as EU steps up support for Ukraine
The European Commission is looking for startups and other innovators to address challenges across the land, air and sea domains.
-
![Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures]()
Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures
Multiple countries have been deploying small arms as the last line of drone defence due to their multiple operational and tactical advantages.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family
The Singapore-based technology company unveiled its new rifle family at this week’s airshow. Chen Chuanren spoke with the ST Engineering’s head of small arms to find out more about how the weapons have been refined.
-
![High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?]()
High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?
Any potential ‘Arctic Sentry’ mission would be months in the planning, but with tensions high in the region given the US’s push for Greenland, NATO countries will need to continue to emphasise their commitment to the region, analysts have said.
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues]()
As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues
The UK’s defence spending commitments remain uncertain as the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which had been due by the end of 2025, is yet to be published.
