UK Ministry of Defence,
The Royal Navy's newest super-submarine, ASTUTE, was launched today by HRH Duchess of Cornwall at the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow, Cumbria.
ASTUTE is the first nuclear submarine to be launched in the UK for almost a decade. She has been built in the UK using the latest and most advanced naval engineering techniques. Construction has been described as more complex than that of the space shuttle.
Lord Drayson, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, said: “I am delighted to be here to see the launch of ASTUTE. She is the first of a class of hugely impressive vessels which will give the Royal Navy the world class capability it needs to protect the UK and her interests across the globe in the 21st century.
“ASTUTE is a truly remarkable vessel, and her importance cannot be underestimated. I am pleased that through the Maritime Industrial Strategy we are working closely with British industry to ensure that we have affordable, viable, and vibrant submarine design and manufacture skills, both now and in the future.”
The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, said: “The ASTUTE class submarines are immensely powerful vessels. They will form a key part of our future programme, giving the Royal Navy the versatility and technical excellence needed to operate successfully across the globe in decades to come. ASTUTE is a true multi-role platform submarine. I look forward to her entry into service, along with that of her sisters AMBUSH, ARTFUL, and now the fourth of the class, AUDACIOUS.”
