Unprecedented Levels of Stealth and Attack Capacity
BAE Systems has been awarded a £1.4 billion (US$1.8 billion) contract to deliver the next ASTUTE-class submarine to the Royal Navy. HMS AGAMEMNON will be the sixth of seven of the class to be designed and manufactured at Barrow-in-Furness.
“These are the most advanced submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy and are already providing unprecedented levels of stealth and attack capability across the world,” UK Defence Secretary, Sir Michael Fallon, stated. Three boats (HMS ASTUTE, AMBUSH and ARTFUL), are already in service, with a further four in various stages of construction.
As prime contractor, BAE Systems is responsible for design, build, test and commissioning for the ASTUTE-class and is also the industrial lead for the DREADNOUGHT programme, which will deliver the next generation of Britain’s continuous-at-sea nuclear deterrent. The submarine business employs some 8,400 people and spends over £300 million per annum with 1,000+ direct suppliers, 85% of which are based in the UK.
