THE Royal Navy has launched its most “advanced hunter-killer” submarine, which will be based in Faslane.
HMS Agamemnon, which has been nicknamed “Awesome Aggie” by its commanding officer, is the sixth of seven Astute-class submarines.
The vessel entered the water for the first time at BAE Systems’ facility in Barrow on Thursday and will travel to the Clyde naval base, Faslane, once final tests have been carried out.
It is named after the Greek king who besieged Troy and will be tasked with protecting the UK’s nuclear deterrent and aircraft carrier task groups.
READ MORE: Subscribe to The National for £10 to enjoy fantastic puzzles and perks
It will also carry out Royal Marine raids and will help gather intelligence.
The vessel is capable of engaging with threats on land through its Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Managing director of BAE Systems Submarines, Steven Timms, hailed the launch as a “hugely significant milestone”.
He said: “The design and build of a nuclear-powered submarine is incredibly complex and a truly national endeavour, and I pay tribute to the thousands of highly-skilled people who have helped get Agamemnon to this stage.
“Submarines are a vital component of the UK’s defence capabilities and we must now work collectively to ensure Agamemnon is ready to join her sister submarines in service with the Royal Navy as soon as possible.”
Agamemnon’s commanding officer commander, David Crosby added: “It is fantastic to finally get Awesome Aggie into the water in preparation for the final stages of build and commissioning of this extremely complex and highly capable submarine.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here