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
-
![A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel]()
A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel
Kraken Technology Group’s A400M airdrop of a K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel points to a new way for navies to insert USVs into contested waters, bypassing ports and motherships.
-
![Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme]()
Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme
By moving most of the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine supply chain into Canada, Babcock Canada is driving to strengthen sovereign sustainment capabilities while preparing to compete to maintain the future Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
-
![From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia]()
From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia
As his final engagement before leaving his post as the head of the British defence staff for Southeast Asia and defence adviser to Singapore, Brigadier Eddie Maskell-Pedersen spoke with Shephard about maritime security, cyber cooperation and long-term partnerships.
-
![Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms]()
Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms
Baltic states are investing in mine warfare, uncrewed systems and multirole platforms as major warship purchases remain scarce, industry sources indicate.
