BAE Systems launches Anson
The latest Astute-class submarine was launched on 20 April 2021. (Photo: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems launch new Astute-class submarine HMS Anson, built for the UK Royal Navy.
BAE Systems on 20 April launched HMS Anson as the fifth of seven Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) for the UK RN.
The 7,400t submarine will now begin the next stage of its test and commissioning programme, BAE Systems announced, before it undergoes sea trials with the RN in 2022.
The Astute-class boats are the most advanced submarines ever built for the UK RN. Each boat is 97m long and can circumnavigate the globe submerged.
The submarines are powered by a PWR2 nuclear reactor, delivering a 25-year lifespan without the need for refuelling.
Armament options include Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and the US-made Tomahawk Block IV land-attack cruise missile.
Work on Anson was paused in 2020 while technical issues on the fourth-in-class boat Audacious were rectified. BAE stated that the two remaining submarines (Agamemnon and Ajax) would be delivered by the end of 2026 following the delay in construction.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Fincantieri takes control of Leonardo’s underwater armaments business]()
Fincantieri takes control of Leonardo’s underwater armaments business
The deal includes a 50% stake in the EuroTorp project which designed the MU90 torpedo.
-
![BAE Systems to provide more Network Tactical Common Data Links to the US Navy]()
BAE Systems to provide more Network Tactical Common Data Links to the US Navy
Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL), a multi-platform modular and scalable solution for all US Navy (USN) Common Data Link (CDL) requirements, has been designed to increase link capacity and embrace waveform evolution.
-
![L3Harris and Babcock sign contracts for Australian Hunter-class frigate technologies]()
L3Harris and Babcock sign contracts for Australian Hunter-class frigate technologies
The two firms are the latest to add expertise gained on the UK’s Type 26 programme to Australia’s future frigates.
-
![Raytheon to build more SM-6 Block IA missiles for US Navy under $333 million contract]()
Raytheon to build more SM-6 Block IA missiles for US Navy under $333 million contract
The Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) is a surface-to-air supersonic missile in service with the US Navy (USN), launched from cruisers and destroyers, capable of engaging crewed and uncrewed aircraft and land-attack or anti-ship cruise missiles in flight.
-
![HII names LPD 30 the USS Harrisburg]()
HII names LPD 30 the USS Harrisburg
The naming of the Harrisburg moves the first Flight II San Antonio-class vessel on towards active service.
-
![South Korean navy orders four more Geomdoksuri Batch-II patrol vessels]()
South Korean navy orders four more Geomdoksuri Batch-II patrol vessels
The contract follows on from previous work by Hanjin Heavy Industries on the Republic of Korea's Navy’s (ROKN's) fleet.
