On October 3, 2024, the Royal Navy, the marine branch of the British army, officially launched the HMS Agamemnontheir sixth Astute-class nuclear attack submarine. The vessel therefore made its first launch.
Agamemnon a gigantic building
Built by BAE Systemsa British company specializing in the defense and aerospace sectors, the HMS Agamemnon is a behemoth of the seas.
Powered by nuclear energy, this submarine therefore has a potentially unlimited range of action. With a displacement capacity of 7,400 tonnes, it can travel through the water at a speed of 30 knots, or a little over 55 km/h.
Finally, regarding its size, it measures 97 meters long and can accommodate a crew of 98 people.
It is therefore a little smaller than the French Suffren class nuclear attack submarines (SNA) (99.5 meters), but exceeds them in particular with its displacement capacity which is almost 2000 tonnes higher.
Hail the warrior king!
HMS Agamemnon, 6th of 7 Astute-class hunter-killer submarines built for the Silent Service has been launched by @BAES_Maritime in Barrow after a precision roll-out from the assembly hall.
— Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) October 3, 2024
Translation : “Hail the Warrior King! HMS Agamemnon, the 6th of 7 Astute-class hunter-killer submarines built for the Silent Service, was launched by BAE Systems at Barrow following a precise release from the assembly hall.“
For the moment, it is not yet operational and will not yet carry out missions. Indeed, as explained by Commander Crosby, who served on three other Astute-class aircraft before theAgamemnon“iThere is still a lot of work to be done until Agamemnon is released from Barrow, but the entire staff can be proud of what they have accomplished so far with this build.” reports Navy Newsthe official news organ of the Royal Navy.
Attack submarines the most powerful ever operated by the Royal Navy ”
It is in these words that the Royal Navy itself presents its Astute class submarines.
Before talking about their arsenal, let's start with the practicality of using these machines which patrol the seas and oceans. Indeed, as the Royal Navy indicates, the HMS Agamemnon like other Astute-class submarines can purify their water and air and are therefore only forced to surface when food runs out. Powered by a nuclear reactor, there's no need to refuel either.
Thus, like other nuclear attack submarines (SNA), in addition to food, a building like the HMS Agamemnon and other Astute-class ships are self-sufficient in the sea.
Concerning the onboard arsenal, the Astute class submarines can be attack devices at sea as well as support devices for land operations. At sea, torpedoes will mainly be used, in support of land troops, they will be missiles Tomahawk which will be launched.
Just one more submarine to complete the fleet
THE HMS Agamemnonnamed in honor of the ancient Greek king, is not the last building of the Astute class. Indeed, the Royal Navy is still waiting for one last one: the HMS Agincourt.
But this submarine could have changed its name. Indeed, in January 2024, the French press explained that the Royal Navy was considering changing the name of its seventh and final Astute-class vessel. The reason? England did not want to “antagonize” the French by putting under their noses a warship recalling the name of a medieval battle largely lost by France in 1415: the Battle of Agincourt (Agincourt in English).
However, it seems that Royal Navy officials have finally changed their minds. After all, and without controversy, the Suffren class of SNA of France pays homage to Vice-Admiral Pierre André de Suffren who lived in the 18th century and who particularly distinguished himself in naval battles against England.
So we are even.
Source: BBC / Royal Navy
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