Seventh Astute class submarine build underway
After the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved the Astute class submarine boat seven contract in March, BAE Systems has confirmed to Shephard the build is now underway.
The first three of the class, HMS Astute, HMS Ambush and HMS Artful, are already in service with the Royal Navy and the remaining four, including the yet-to-be-named seventh boat, are in various stages of the build at BAE System’s site in Barrow-in-Furness.
The MoD has not yet finalised plans for a launch date of the submarine. HMS Audacious, the fourth in class, was launched in April 2017.
Following
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Seoul’s SSN programme launch raises questions on fuel, tech and build location]()
Seoul’s SSN programme launch raises questions on fuel, tech and build location
Seoul has unveiled its “Jangbogo-N Project” to develop domestically built, nuclear-propelled attack submarines in close coordination with Washington, marking an escalation of the Republic of Korea’s deterrence posture against Pyongyang’s undersea nuclear capabilities.
-
![Tokyo’s naval export drive gains strategic depth in Southeast Asia]()
Tokyo’s naval export drive gains strategic depth in Southeast Asia
Indonesia’s consideration of Mogami-class frigates points to a widening export opportunity for Tokyo across Southeast Asia and raises the prospect of the Mogami becoming the region’s default mid-tier surface combatant.
-
![Frigates and submarines anchor Brazilian naval modernisation worth US$5.52 billion]()
Frigates and submarines anchor Brazilian naval modernisation worth US$5.52 billion
Shipbuilding programmes established over the past decade are setting Brazil's course towards having one of the most modern navies in the region.
