Royal Navy decommissions two more Trafalgar-class submarines
HMS Trenchant, pictured sailing into Devonport in March 2021. (Photo: RN/Crown Copyright)
The UK RN officially decommissioned the Trafalgar-class submarines HMS Trenchant and HMS Talent at Devonport Naval Base on 20 May, leaving HMS Triumph as the only remaining boat in the class.
Triumph is earmarked to continue in RN service until 2024-2025 but the submarine is currently undergoing a refit.
The seven Trafalgar-class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) are being replaced by the same number of Astute-class SSN boats, four of which have been delivered to the RN (first-in-class HMS Astute, HMS Artful, HMS Ambush and HMS Audacious).
The RN confirmed on 20 May that a fifth Astute-class submarine, HMS Anson, ‘has completed successful diving checks’
The sixth and seventh boats, Agamemnon and Agincourt, are at different stages of construction by BAE Systems at its Barrow-in-Furness shipyard.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027]()
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
![Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”]()
Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”
Although the CDC project is still in its early stages, the Canadian Department of National Defence already has some requirements for the future platforms.
-
![US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection]()
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
