Royal Navy’s newest hunter-killer submarine debuts at sea as HMS Agamemnon begins trials

Nuclear powered and conventionally armed, HMS Agamemnon is the latest Astute-class submarine to be delivered by BAE Systems.

She sailed from Barrow, where she has been built and comprehensively tested over the past 13 years by engineers, technicians, software developers and shipwrights, plus the 100-strong crew.

Agamemnon will now conduct trials and training before debuting at the home of the UK’s submarine force at HM Naval Base Clyde.

“In an increasingly dangerous world, sea power remains fundamental to keeping our country and people safe,” said First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins.

“Our submarine fleet is essential to that effort, which is why I am delighted that HMS Agamemnon, the sixth of our Astute-class submarines, has now begun sea trials and will soon arrive at HMNB Clyde to join the fleet.

“She embodies the best of British engineering and the professionalism of our submariners and will be one of the most advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.

“As we continue to strengthen our warfighting readiness, HMS Agamemnon will play a central role in keeping the United Kingdom safe, contributing to NATO’s collective defence and ensuring we are ready to lead, fight and win.”

HMS Agamemnon’s mission will be to safeguard submarines carrying nation’s nuclear deterrent from interference from our adversaries.

She can also project power – attacking key targets on land when required with Tomahawk cruise missiles, take out hostile submarines and warships using her heavyweight Spearfish torpedoes, launch raids by Royal Marines commandos, and using her extensive suite of sensors to gather intelligence.

Known by crew as ‘Awesome Aggie’ the 7,000-tonne boat was formally commissioned into the Royal Navy 12 months in the presence of His Majesty The King.

Since then her complex systems have undergone thorough testing in the hands of both her crew and industry experts and the boat has conducted her maiden dive in a specially-deepened basin which is part of BAE Systems’ complex.

The boat’s crew have also used the time to foster affiliations and ties, in particular with Yorkshire. Agamemnon is affiliated with the city of Wakefield, Yorkshire University Royal Naval Unit (based in Leeds), and has signed a ‘bond of friendship’ with Sheffield Forgemasters, who produce some very high-spec, heavy-duty parts for the Royal Navy’s submarines.

The new hunter-killer is also tied with two Worshipful Companies (Horners – traditionally involved with animal horns – and Loriners – makers of horse apparel).

It took a long-planned two-day operation to leave Barrow with its basins, docks and intricate locks and negotiate narrow Walney Channel before HMS Agamemnon reached the open waters of the Irish Sea.

The boat is the sixth Royal Navy to bear the name which she takes from mythology and the King of Mycenae who led Greek forces in the siege of Troy.

Just one more Astute-class boat remains to be finished to complete the septet; HMS Achilles is in the later stages of construction in the Devonshire Dock Hall complex which dominates the Barrow skyline.