THE launching of the sixth Astute class submarine from Barrow's shipyard has been described as a 'hugely significant milestone'.

Having rolled out of Devonshire Dock Hall, HMS Agamemnon has now entered the water for the first time following years of work by staff at BAE.

The nuclear-powered boat, which weighs in at 7,400 tonnes and is 97 metres long, will begin the next phase of its test and commissioning programme, before leaving Barrow for sea trials with the Royal Navy.

Steve Timms, Managing Director, BAE Systems Submarines, said: "This is a hugely significant milestone for everyone at BAE Systems, the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and the Royal Navy. 

"The design and build of a nuclear-powered submarine is incredibly complex and a truly national endeavour and I pay tribute to the thousands of highly-skilled people who have helped get Agamemnon to this stage. 

"Submarines are a vital component of the UK's defence capabilities and we must now work collectively to ensure Agamemnon is ready to join her sister submarines in service with the Royal Navy."     
Agamemnon commanding officer, Commander David ‘Bing’ Crosby, said: "“It is fantastic to finally get Awesome Aggie into the water in preparation for the final stages of build and commissioning of this extremely complex and highly capable submarine.

"There is still plenty to do until we get to exit Agamemnon from Barrow, but the entire workforce should be full of pride for what they have achieved with this build so far.

"I am looking forward to working with our friends at BAE Systems, the Submarine Delivery Agency and the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise to get Agamemnon through these final tests and ready for her exit from Barrow."

The Astute Class boats are the largest and most advanced attack submarines ever built for the Royal Navy.

Their state-of-the-art nuclear technology means they never need to be refuelled and, as they manufacture their own oxygen and drinking water for their 98 crew members, they are able to circumnavigate the globe without surfacing. 

The first five submarines in the class, HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful, HMS Audacious and HMS Anson, have been handed over to the Royal Navy, with work said to be well underway for the final Astute boat, Agincourt.