Fifth of Seven Astute-class SSNs

HMS Anson, the latest Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine to be built by BAE Systems, was officially commissioned into Royal Navy service on 31 August.

The commissioning ceremony for the 97m, 7,800t SSN was attended Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Britain’s Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, among others. “Today is a significant milestone in the UK and Australia’s preparation to confront growing threats to the liberal democratic order, especially in the Indo Pacific […] Not only have we progressed our defence planning, but Minister Marles participated in the commissioning of our latest attack submarine, on which Royal Australian Navy submariners will be embarked as we develop our shared capabilities in the years ahead […] Built in a UK shipyard, HMS Anson demonstrates the very best of British industry, sustaining our world-leading sub-surface capabilities and underlining the UK’s readiness to contribute them to shared security, especially with our closest allies Australia and the United States under the AUKUS initiative,” Wallace stated.

BAE Systems has already delivered four Astute-class boats, currently in Royal Navy Service. Anson is the fifth and boats six and seven are in advanced stages of construction. The company is also already building the first two Dreadnought-class submarines, destined to replace the current Vanguard SSBN fleet, with first-of-class due to enter service in the early 2030s. Early design and concept work is also being carried out on the SSN-Replacement design – intended, eventually, to replace the Astutes – under an £85 million ($99 million) MoD contract award in 2021.

“The Astute class submarines are among the finest engineering accomplishments in the world. As the custodian of the UK’s submarine design and build capability, we’re incredibly proud of the role we play in the delivery of this strategic national endeavour,” commented BAE Systems Chief Executive, Charles Woodburn.