HMS Anson, the latest Astute-class submarine to be built by BAE Systems, has been officially commissioned into the Royal Navy during a ceremony at BAE Systems’ site in Barrow-in-Furness, UK.
At 97 meters long and with a displacement of 7,800 tons, the nuclear-powered submarine is the fifth of seven in the Astute class. According to BAE, the Astute submarines are recognized as the most technologically advanced attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.
The traditional naval ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries, including the submarine’s Lady Sponsor, Mrs Julie Weale, the Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and the UK Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, who said: “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 defense 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.”
“The Astute class submarines are among the finest engineering accomplishments in the world,” said BAE Systems Chief Executive, Charles Woodburn. “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 endeavor.”
“A great many people in our business and across the submarine enterprise and wider supply chain have been involved in the design and construction of this magnificent vessel, and I want to thank each and every person for their contribution,” BAE Systems Submarines Managing Director, Steve Timms, said. “On behalf of everyone at BAE Systems, I also want to wish HMS Anson and her crew all the very best for the future.”
BAE Systems has delivered the first four submarines in the Astute class which are currently in service with the Royal Navy. The sixth and seventh boats are at an advanced stage of construction in Barrow.
