Britain's New Nuclear Submarine HMS Agamemnon Launches After 13 Years

Britain's newest nuclear-powered attack submarine, the HMS Agamemnon, has officially launched after a 13-year construction process. The 7,400-tonne, 97-meter warship, the sixth in the Royal Navy's Astute Class fleet, represents a £1.65 billion investment.

Commissioned in 2013, the Ministry of Defence had anticipated the submarine would be operational by 2022. The Agamemnon, which will operate with a crew of 100, departed the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness for sea trials. Its initial journey saw it navigate the shipyard's dock system before reaching the Walney Channel and entering the Irish Sea.

Upon completion of its trials, the HMS Agamemnon will join the Royal Navy's operational fleet alongside its sister submarines: HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful, HMS Audacious, and HMS Anson. The Ministry of Defence stated that the trials are a crucial step in delivering a capable attack submarine to enhance security for the UK and the Euro-Atlantic region.

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord, remarked that the Agamemnon "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." He added that the submarine "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."

The submarine was named after the ancient Greek king Agamemnon, a nod to Admiral Lord Nelson's favored ship. It was officially named and christened at BAE Systems' Submarines site in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, where a bottle of beer was smashed against its hull.

The launch follows reports earlier this year indicating that the Royal Navy's entire fleet of hunter-killer submarines was out of service, awaiting maintenance or repairs. This situation raised concerns about the UK's vulnerability to potential threats, particularly from Russia, and its ability to protect critical undersea infrastructure like internet and power cables. These submarines are also vital for safeguarding the larger Vanguard submarines that form the UK's nuclear deterrent.

Concerns about the state of Britain's naval capabilities have been amplified by recent events, including the breakdown of a £3.5 billion aircraft carrier and warnings from the Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, that the threats facing Britain are greater than at any time since the Cold War. Former First Sea Lord Lord West described the lack of available attack submarines as "unacceptable" and "very worrying," highlighting a potential deficit in investment in maintenance facilities and personnel.