Fifth Astute-class nuclear submarine sails for the first time
HMS Anson heads towards the open sea for its transfer from Barrow to HMNB Clyde. (Photo: BAE Systems)
HMS Anson will join the four existing Astute-class boats in operational service once sea trials are complete.
HMS Anson, the fifth Astute-class submarine has departed the company’s shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria for HM Naval Base Clyde.
The boat will then carry out sea trials before entering operational service.
Ben Wallace, UK Secretary of State for Defence, said: ‘HMS Anson will play a vital role in defending the UK, providing a competitive edge for decades to come, and I am proud to see her make her journey up to her permanent home on the Clyde.’
Related Articles
Nuclear submarine programme takes step forward with hull unit move
US Navy expands Trident submarine training facilities
BAE cuts steel for third Dreadnought submarine
HMS Anson was formally commissioned into the navy during a ceremony in last year, and the sixth and seventh Astute-class boats are at an advanced stage of construction in Barrow.
BAE Systems is also undertaking early design and concept work for the Royal Navy’s next generation of submarines which will eventually replace the Astute class, referred to as SSN-Replacement (SSNR).
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
AUKUS-SSNs/SSN(R) Astute Replacement Programme [UK]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline]()
Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline
Japan’s FY2027 defence budget backs stand-off strike, a 17-aircraft MQ-9B buy and a declared bid to lead the world in uncrewed maritime assets, alongside new frigates, submarines and support ships.
-
![Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones]()
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
-
![German Navy’s Israeli missile test points to deepening defence-industrial ties]()
German Navy’s Israeli missile test points to deepening defence-industrial ties
The test-firing of an Israel Aerospace Industries LORA ballistic missile from a German vessel highlights the Bundeswehr’s focus on speed to capability as it trials Israel’s operationally proven technology.
-
![Melting ice is rewriting Arctic naval requirements]()
Melting ice is rewriting Arctic naval requirements
As the High North opens to shipping, navies face rising demand for icebreakers, ASW vessels, uncrewed systems and surveillance assets far beyond the submarine fleet.
