Home Europe Royal Navy officially names fifth Astute-class nuclear submarine Anson

Royal Navy officially names fifth Astute-class nuclear submarine Anson

HMS Anson naming ceremony
Photo: BAE Systems

The Royal Navy has officially named its fifth Astute-class submarine in a ceremony at BAE Systems’ submarines site in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

The naming of Anson precedes the boat’s launch early next year, and the subsequent sea trials in 2022.

Anson is the fifth of seven attack submarines BAE is delivering to the Royal Navy. Earlier this year, HMS Audacious, the fourth boat in the class, left Barrow for her operational base, at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde in Faslane.

Work is also well under way in Barrow on Astute boats six and seven (to be named Agamemnon and Agincourt), as well as the first two boats in the Dreadnought class, which is the next generation of nuclear deterrent submarines.

Named after 18th Century Admiral George Anson who delivered victory over the French at Cape Finisterre in 1747 and went on to reform the Admiralty, HMS Anson is the first submarine to bear the name. Previously, eight naval vessels carried the name.

The Astute-class submarines feature advanced nuclear technology which eliminates the need for the to ever be refuelled. Crewed by 98 submariners, the Astute-class carry both Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (TLAM) and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes.

The naming of Anson is a significant step towards her joining the other four Astute class submarines already in service with the Royal Navy,” Cliff Robson, managing director, BAE Systems’ Submarines commented. “Throughout this year, we’ve adapted the business to keep our people safe whilst allowing them to continue the important role of delivering critical capability to our customer. Reaching this important milestone is testament to the dedicated work of our workforce, our Royal Navy partners and the Submarine Delivery Agency.”

HMS Anson under construction at Barrow-in-Furness. Photo: BAE Systems