BAE Systems launches Anson
The latest Astute-class submarine was launched on 20 April 2021. (Photo: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems launch new Astute-class submarine HMS Anson, built for the UK Royal Navy.
BAE Systems on 20 April launched HMS Anson as the fifth of seven Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) for the UK RN.
The 7,400t submarine will now begin the next stage of its test and commissioning programme, BAE Systems announced, before it undergoes sea trials with the RN in 2022.
The Astute-class boats are the most advanced submarines ever built for the UK RN. Each boat is 97m long and can circumnavigate the globe submerged.
The submarines are powered by a PWR2 nuclear reactor, delivering a 25-year lifespan without the need for refuelling.
Armament options include Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and the US-made Tomahawk Block IV land-attack cruise missile.
Work on Anson was paused in 2020 while technical issues on the fourth-in-class boat Audacious were rectified. BAE stated that the two remaining submarines (Agamemnon and Ajax) would be delivered by the end of 2026 following the delay in construction.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover]()
Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover
Alongside progress on its Lionfish contracts, Leonardo emphasised its shift in focus from traditional larger calibre systems toward smaller calibre solutions, epitomised by the X-Gun’s inception in 2017.
-
![SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy]()
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
![Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD]()
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
