The first Dreadnought Class submarine under construction at BAE Systems in Barrow remains on track to enter service in the early 2030s according to the Submarine Delivery Agency’s annual report.
The document, published this week, also reveals how the largest section or mega unit of HMS Dreadnought was manoeuvred through the streets of Barrow in July 2023 to the Devonshire Dock Hall, the largest submarine section to be moved in over 30 years.
The SDA also says the fifth of the Barrow-built Astute Class submarines, HMS Anson, completed sea trials throughout 2023/24 and is now with the Royal Navy preparing for operational service.
The sixth Astute Class boat which was formally named HMS Agamemnon in spring is undergoing pre-launch tests and checks, having had its reactor core loaded and initial reactor system testing completed throughout the year.
Meanwhile an update of progress on the tri-lateral SSN-AUKUS programme states that the project, known as SSN-A, saw contracts totalling £4 billion awarded to BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce Submarines and Babcock International. The project entered detailed design phase in 2023.
“Both the Astute and Dreadnought acquisition programmes made important steps forward in Barrow-in-Furness,” Jonathan Simcock, chair of the Submarine Delivery Agency board, wrote in the report’s introduction.
“In Devonport, HMS Vanguard returned to service following its deep maintenance period, allowing work to commence on HMS Victorious’ deep maintenance period. The SSN-A programme entered its next phase, beginning the detailed design and procurement of long lead items.”
The report also marked pioneering work underway in Rosyth to dismantle a decommissioned submarine, Swiftsure which was launched in Barrow in 1971.
“In the build programme, HMS Anson leaving Barrow-in-Furness to conduct sea trials before joining the operational fleet meant our focus moved to completing our final two Astute Class submarines,” SDA chief executive Sir Chris Gardner commented in the annual report adding: “The arrival of HMS Agamemnon and HMS Agincourt will be critical in improving submarine availability.
“Alongside this, the Dreadnought programme continues at pace, benefiting from ongoing investment in the supply chain, infrastructure, and workforce. The programme remains on track for HMS Dreadnought to conduct her first patrol in the early 2030s.”
