View source for Astute-class submarine

{{short description|Class of nuclear-powered fleet submarines}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin
}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=Astute class SSN.svg
|Ship caption=''Astute''-class SSN profile
}}
|-
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=HMS Ambush long.jpg
|Ship caption=[[HMS Ambush (S120)|HMS ‘’Ambush’’]] in 2012
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
|Name=''Astute'' class
|Builders=[[BAE Systems Submarines]], [[Barrow-in-Furness]]
|Operators={{navy|United Kingdom}}
|Class before={{sclass|Trafalgar|submarine|4}}
|Class after=[[SSN-AUKUS]] (First design contract awarded)
|Subclasses=
|Cost=Over [[£]]1.65 [[billion]] per boat (2015 est.)
|Built range=2001–present
|In service range=
|In commission range=2010–present
|Total ships building=1
|Total ships planned=7
|Total ships completed=6
|Total ships cancelled=
|Total ships active=5
|Total ships laid up=
|Total ships lost=
|Total ships retired=
|Total ships preserved=
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Header caption = 
| Ship type = [[Nuclear marine propulsion|Nuclear-powered]] [[attack submarine]]
| Ship displacement = *Surfaced: {{cvt|7,000|to|7400|t|LT|abbr=on}}<ref name="Steve Bush 2014">{{cite book|last=Bush|first=Steve|title=British Warships and Auxiliaries|year=2014|publisher=Maritime Books|pages=10–11 |isbn=978-1904459552}}</ref><ref name="AstuteRN">{{cite web|title=Astute-class attack submarines|url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/submarines/attack-submarines/astute-class
|website=royalnavy.mod.uk|publisher=Royal Navy|access-date=27 July 2016|archive-date=20 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720070624/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/submarines/fleet-submarines/astute-class|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Submerged: {{cvt|7,400|to|7800|t|LT|abbr=on}}<ref name="Steve Bush 2014"/><ref name="AstuteRN"/>
| Ship length = {{convert|97|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="Steve Bush 2014"/><ref name="AstuteRN"/>
| Ship beam = {{convert|11.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="Steve Bush 2014"/><ref name="AstuteRN"/>
| Ship height = 
| Ship draught = {{convert|10|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name="Steve Bush 2014"/><ref name="AstuteRN"/>
| Ship draft = 
| Ship depth = 
| Ship power = 
| Ship propulsion =*1 × [[Rolls-Royce PWR]] 2 [[nuclear reactor]]
*[[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] 600 kilowatt diesel generators
| Ship speed = {{convert|30|kn|lk=in}}, submerged<ref name="Steve Bush 2014"/><ref name="AstuteRN"/>
| Ship range = Unlimited<ref name="BAEAstute2016">{{cite web|title=BAE Systems - Astute class submarines|url=http://www.baesystems.com/en/product/astute-class-submarines-enhanced|website=baesystems.com|publisher=[[BAE Systems]]|access-date=25 July 2016|archive-date=21 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321234714/http://www.baesystems.com/en/product/astute-class-submarines-enhanced|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Ship endurance = Unlimited in terms of propulsion, air and water, but otherwise typically 90 days, based on the amount of food carried and endurance of the crew<ref name="BAEAstute2016"/>
| Ship test depth = Over {{convert|300|m|abbr=on}}
| Ship complement = 98 (capacity for 109)<ref name="Steve Bush 2014"/>
| Ship sensors = 
*[[Thales Underwater Systems|Thales]] [[Sonar 2076]]
*[[Atlas Hydrographic|Atlas]] DESO 25 [[Sonar#Echo sounding|echosounder]]
*2 × [[Thales Optronics|Thales]] CM010 [[photonics mast|optronic masts]]
*[[Raytheon Corporation|Raytheon]] [[Identification friend or foe|Successor IFF]]

| Ship EW = 
| Ship armament = 
*6 × {{convert|21|in|mm|abbr=on|0}} [[torpedo tube]]s with stowage for up to 38 weapons:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/UksMostPowerfulSubmarineJoinsTheNavy.htm |title=UK's most powerful submarine joins the Navy |date=27 August 2010 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |access-date=11 April 2011 |archive-date=14 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110414103845/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/UksMostPowerfulSubmarineJoinsTheNavy.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=38weapons/>
** [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk]] Block IV cruise missiles 
** [[Spearfish torpedo|Spearfish]] heavyweight torpedoes

| Ship armour = 
| Ship notes = 
}}
|}
The '''''Astute'' class''' is the latest class of [[Nuclear marine propulsion|nuclear-powered]] [[attack submarine]]s in service with the [[Royal Navy]].<ref name="AstuteRN"/> The boats are constructed by [[BAE Systems Submarines]] at [[Barrow-in-Furness]].<ref name="NT-ASTUTE">{{cite news |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/astute/ |title=Naval Technology&nbsp;— SSN Astute Class project details |publisher=naval-technology.com |access-date=8 January 2012 |archive-date=1 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701224506/https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/astute/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Seven boats will be constructed: the first of class, {{HMS|Astute|S119|2}}, was launched by [[Queen Camilla|Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall]], in 2007,<ref name="Astute_launch">{{cite news | title = New UK nuclear submarine launched | work = BBC News | date = 8 June 2007 | url =  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6733777.stm | access-date =15 June 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070618113755/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6733777.stm| archive-date= 18 June 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> [[Commissioned (ship)|commissioned]] in 2010, and declared fully operational in May 2014.<ref name="AstuteRN"/> The ''Astute'' class is the replacement for the {{sclass|Trafalgar|submarine|0}} fleet submarines in Royal Navy service.<ref name="AstuteRN"/>

==Development==

===Batch 2 ''Trafalgar'' class===
The ''Astute''-class programme began in February 1986 when the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] (MOD) launched a number of studies intended to determine the capabilities and requirements for the replacement of its ''Swiftsure'' and ''Trafalgar''-class fleet submarines.<ref>{{cite hansard |jurisdiction=Parliament of the United Kingdom |title=Nuclear-Powered Submarines |url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/1991-07-04/debates/5912ce42-44b7-47e8-9ca9-de3bd8450495/Nuclear-PoweredSubmarines?highlight=ssn20#contribution-ffcb9a53-a6eb-4c6c-aae9-e93138230430 |house=House of Commons |date=4 July 1991 |column=214 |speaker=Mr. Kenneth Carlisle |position= }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309054931/https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/1991-07-04/debates/5912ce42-44b7-47e8-9ca9-de3bd8450495/Nuclear-PoweredSubmarines?highlight=ssn20#contribution-ffcb9a53-a6eb-4c6c-aae9-e93138230430 |date=9 March 2021 }}</ref><ref name="RAND">{{cite book|title=Lessons from the United Kingdom's Astute Submarine Program|publisher=RAND National Defence Research Institute|location=United States|edition=Learning From Experience: Volume III|url=http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2011/RAND_MG1128.3.pdf|access-date=27 July 2016|archive-date=21 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021094622/http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monographs/2011/RAND_MG1128.3.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> These studies, called project SSN20, were conducted during the [[Cold War]], when the Royal Navy maintained a strong emphasis on [[anti-submarine warfare]] to counter increasingly capable [[Soviet Union|Soviet]] submarines. To match this growing threat, the studies concluded that project SSN20 should be a revolutionary design, with significantly enhanced nuclear propulsion and firepower, and a more sophisticated "integrated sonar suite" and combat systems.<ref name="RAND"/> Similarly, the [[United States Navy]], which was facing the same threats, went on to design and build the {{sclass|Seawolf|submarine|4}}. The estimated costs of project SSN20, although great, were not considered a "constraint".<ref name="RAND"/>

However, by 1990 the [[Berlin Wall]] had fallen and the Cold War came to an end. Project SSN20 was promptly cancelled and a new set of design studies were started, this time, with "cost control" as a key objective.<ref name="RAND"/> The ''Trafalgar'' class had been an evolved derivative of the preceding ''Swiftsure'' class, and in order to reduce cost and technical risk it was concluded that this new class of fleet submarine should "build upon" the ''Trafalgar'' design. This became known as the Batch 2 ''Trafalgar'' class (B2TC), with approval for the studies phase given in June 1991.<ref name="RAND"/> While the philosophy behind B2TC was that of a modern and improved ''Trafalgar'', early design concepts of B2TC were also heavily influenced by the then under construction {{sclass|Vanguard|submarine|4}}, in particular its nuclear steam raising plant (NSRP).<ref name="RAND"/>

===''Astute'' programme===
Following two years of a studies phase on B2TC, the MOD issued a draft [[invitation to tender]] in October 1993 and a final invitation to tender in July 1994.<ref name="RAND"/> The final invitation to tender involved a formal competition between [[GEC-Marconi]]/[[BMT Limited]] and [[Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd.|VSEL]]/[[Rolls-Royce Marine Power Operations|Rolls-Royce]], with bids to be submitted in June 1995.<ref name="RAND"/> GEC-Marconi and BMT had little experience with British submarine designs, whereas VSEL and Rolls-Royce were heavily involved in both British nuclear submarine design and construction.

During the assessment phase of the bids put forward by both teams, the MOD favoured the GEC-Marconi/BMT design on both cost and capability grounds.<ref name="RAND"/> The bid put forward by VSEL/Rolls-Royce was less attractive and considered "an expensive and dull design."<ref name="RAND"/> In June 1995, VSEL was subject to a takeover by GEC-Marconi, and with it, the Barrow shipyard. In December of the same year, the MOD announced that GEC-Marconi was the preferred bidder. The bid put forward by GEC-Marconi included the innovative use of [[3D modeling|3D CAD software]] and modular construction techniques. Although the MOD had awarded the contract to GEC-Marconi, partly due to its competitive cost, it was still considered too high for the MOD to sign off on.<ref name="RAND"/> The MOD and GEC-Marconi negotiated on a new price for the contract, amounting to £2.4 billion for the first three ''Astute'' submarines, plus in-service support. The contract was signed on 14 March 1997, for what was now called the ''Astute'' programme, with a fixed maximum price, and any cost overruns being assumed by GEC-Marconi, the contractor.<ref name="RAND"/>

Although B2TC was intended to be a modest improvement over the ''Trafalgar'' class, it was not to be the case for ''Astute''. With the signing of the contract in March 1997, GEC-Marconi started work on developing a complete and comprehensive design for the ''Astute'' programme.<ref name="RAND"/> Initial realisation was that the size of the [[Rolls-Royce PWR|Rolls-Royce PWR2]] required a much larger boat (beam and length) and significantly improved acoustic quieting. A new understanding was reached between the MOD and GEC-Marconi that this would be an entirely new class, and far more complex than originally envisioned.<ref name="RAND"/>

===Construction, cost overruns and delays===
[[File:Astute1.JPG|thumb|left|The ''Astute'' class are built at the [[Devonshire Dock Hall]], [[Barrow-in-Furness]]]]
In November 1999, [[British Aerospace]] purchased GEC-Marconi and created [[BAE Systems]]. At the time of the takeover, it had been approximately 20 years since the ''Vanguard'' class was designed, and the last of the boats had already been launched.<ref name="RAND"/> The workforce at the Barrow shipyard had fallen from around 13,000 to 3,000. Key skills in design and engineering had been lost, predominantly through retirement or movement into other careers.<ref name="RAND"/> This created significant delays and challenges in getting the ''Astute'' programme from design phase and into construction phase. Further delays and cost increases were also caused by the 3D CAD software,<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Commons, Westminster |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060309/text/60309w16.htm |title=House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 9 Mar 2006 |website=Publications.parliament.uk |access-date=7 November 2011 |archive-date=23 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123203942/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060309/text/60309w16.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> despite originally being touted as an innovative cost saving measure, by greatly reducing man-hours.<ref name="RAND"/> However, one of the reasons for this was a lack of experienced designers able to use the software and its expanded tools.<ref name="RAND"/>
[[File:Astute2cropped.jpg|thumb|''Astute'' on the [[shiplift]] after her launch ceremony]]
Despite numerous difficulties, including incomplete design drawings, the first boat, ''Astute'', was laid down on 31 January 2001. As planned, modular construction methods were used, with the boat being built in several ring-like modules, each up to several metres in length.<ref>{{cite news|title=An astute strategy|url=https://www.theengineer.co.uk/issues/27-april-2001/an-astute-strategy/|access-date=27 July 2016|agency=The Engineer|publisher=theengineer.co.uk|date=3 May 2001|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816131446/https://www.theengineer.co.uk/issues/27-april-2001/an-astute-strategy/|url-status=live}}</ref> These were welded together using specially designed high-strength steel,<ref>{{cite web|title=Welding Astute-Class Submarines|url=https://app.aws.org/wj/2002/09/feature2/|website=aws.org|publisher=American Welding Society|access-date=27 July 2016|archive-date=16 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816142848/https://app.aws.org/wj/2002/09/feature2/|url-status=live}}</ref> and then fitted out. From boat 2 onward however, vertical outfitting has been used, whereby the ring-like sections are "stood up on their ends."<ref name="VO">{{cite news|title=Mr Astute|url=http://www.naval-technology.com/features/feature1224/|access-date=27 July 2016|agency=Naval Technology|publisher=naval-technology.com|date=31 August 2007|archive-date=5 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605062832/http://www.naval-technology.com/features/feature1224/|url-status=live}}</ref> This has better enabled the fitting of large and heavy equipment, and has also proved to be more efficient, with reportedly "thousands of man-hours saved".<ref name="VO"/> The class is the first nuclear submarine to be designed entirely using 3D computer software.<ref name="BAEAstute2016"/>

By 2002 both BAE and the MOD recognised they had underestimated the technical challenges and costs of the programme.<ref name="RAND"/> In August 2002 the programme was estimated to be over three years late and hundreds of millions of pounds over budget.<ref name="RAND"/> BAE Systems issued a profit warning on 11 December 2002 as a result of the cost overruns and delays.<ref>{{cite news |first=Mark|last=Odell |title=BAE warning sends share price to seven-year low: News of 'additional issues' on two big defence contracts takes market by surprise|work=Financial Times |date=12 December 2002}}</ref> BAE Systems and the MOD subsequently renegotiated the contract, with an understanding that the MOD had to share some of the financial risks.<ref name="RAND"/> In December 2003 the contract modifications were signed, with the MOD agreeing to add another £430 million to the programme and BAE Systems assuming £250 million of the cost overruns.<ref name="NAO2008">{{cite web|title=Ministry of Defence: Major Projects Report 2008|url=https://www.nao.org.uk/report/ministry-of-defence-major-projects-report-2008/|website=nao.org|date=18 December 2008 |publisher=National Audit Office, 18 December 2008|access-date=27 July 2016|archive-date=20 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820040931/https://www.nao.org.uk/report/ministry-of-defence-major-projects-report-2008/|url-status=live}}</ref> The MOD also enlisted the advice and expertise of [[General Dynamics Electric Boat]] through a [[U.S. Navy]] contract.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defenselink.mil/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=2840|title=U.S. Navy contracts|publisher=[[U.S. Department of Defense]]|date=3 September 2004|access-date=13 February 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080215190258/http://www.defenselink.mil/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=2840 |archive-date=15 February 2008}}</ref> Eventually, a General Dynamics Electric Boat employee became the Astute Project Director at Barrow.<ref name="RAND"/>

[[File:Audacious Under Construction MOD 45155779.jpg|thumb|''Audacious'' under construction]]
Input from General Dynamics helped resolve many of the software issues associated with 3D CAD;<ref name="RAND"/> General Dynamics was also responsible for the introduction of vertical outfitting and other construction techniques. Consequently, much rework was needed on ''Astute'' now that detailed designs were complete.<ref name="RAND"/> On 8 June 2007 ''Astute'' was launched and boats 2 and 3 (''Ambush'' and ''Artful'') were at various stages of construction. A month previously, procurement for boat 4 (''Audacious'') had been agreed.<ref name="RAND"/> Boats 5 and 6 (''Anson'' and ''Agamemnon'') were approved in March 2010.<ref name="RAND"/> In June 2012 the order was placed for the manufacture of the nuclear reactor for boat 7 (''Achilles''), as well as production of the first nuclear reactor for the {{sclass|Dreadnought|submarine|1}}.<ref>{{Cite news   | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18475108   | newspaper=[[BBC News Online]]   | title=£1bn contract for UK nuclear submarines to be announced   | date=17 June 2012   | access-date=20 June 2018   | archive-date=22 November 2018   | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122004221/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-18475108   | url-status=live   }}</ref> A £1.4 billion order to construct ''Agamemnon'' was issued by the MOD to BAE Systems on 19 April 2017<ref>{{Cite web  |title=BAE Systems gets £1.4B to build Royal Navy's sixth Astute-class submarine  |date=19 April 2017  |website=NavalToday.com  |url=http://navaltoday.com/2017/04/19/bae-systems-gets-1-4b-to-build-royal-navys-sixth-astute-class-submarine/  |access-date=29 May 2017  |archive-date=24 April 2017  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424124237/http://navaltoday.com/2017/04/19/bae-systems-gets-1-4b-to-build-royal-navys-sixth-astute-class-submarine/  |url-status=live  }}</ref>

In November 2009, a House of Commons Defence Select Committee found that delays due to technical and programme issues brought the ''Astute'' class to a position of being 57 months late and 53 per cent (or £1.35 billion) over-budget, with a forecast cost of £3.9 billion for the first three boats.<ref name="DSC-HC99">{{Cite web|page=Ev 97|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmdfence/99/99.pdf|title=Defence Equipment 2010|publisher=House of Commons|author=Defence Select Committee|author-link=Defence Select Committee|date=23 February 2010|id=HC 99|access-date=9 March 2010|archive-date=23 April 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423150018/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200910/cmselect/cmdfence/99/99.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The handover of boat 4, HMS ''Audacious'', was delayed from 2019 to 2021 due to "emergent technical issues".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/840100/20191016_-_Meg_Hillier_Astute_AOA.pdf |title=ASTUTE CLASS SUBMARINES BOAT 4 ACCOUNTING OFFICER ASSESSMENT |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=16 October 2019 |website=assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/ |publisher=UK Parliament |access-date=24 October 2019 |quote=The Operational handover for AUDACIOUS is now planned for January 2021. |archive-date=24 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024153826/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/840100/20191016_-_Meg_Hillier_Astute_AOA.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2020, James Heappey, parliamentary under secretary of state for defence, confirmed that the in-service date for the final SSN, HMS ''Achilles'', had slipped to 2026.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2020-01-30.10350.h&s=c|title=HMS Audacious|access-date=13 February 2020|archive-date=28 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128125336/https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2020-01-30.10350.h&s=c|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2023, as part of the joint planning within the [[AUKUS]] defence group, it was indicated that, from 2027, one Astute-class submarine would forward operate on rotation from [[HMAS Stirling]] in [[Western Australia]].<ref name="navylookout.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/australia-to-join-royal-navy-ssnr-submarine-programme/ |title=Australia to join Royal Navy SSN(R) submarine programme |date=13 March 2023 |website=Navy Lookout |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-date=14 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314082811/https://www.navylookout.com/australia-to-join-royal-navy-ssnr-submarine-programme/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Programme cost summary===
{|class=wikitable
|+ '''National Audit Office: Major Projects Report 2015'''<ref name="NAO2015">{{cite book|title=National Audit Office: Major Projects Report 2015|date=20 October 2015|publisher=National Audit Office|location=United Kingdom|page=42|url=https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Major-Projects-Report-2015-and-the-Equipment-Plan-2015-2025.pdf|access-date=27 July 2016|archive-date=29 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629094448/https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Major-Projects-Report-2015-and-the-Equipment-Plan-2015-2025.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! 
! Expected cost to completion at approval
! Current forecast cost to completion
! Change
|-
| Boats 1–3
| style="text-align:center;" | £2.233 billion
| style="text-align:center;" | £3.536 billion
| style="text-align:center;" | {{IncreaseNegative}}58% Increase
|-
| Boat 4
| style="text-align:center;" | £1.279 billion
| style="text-align:center;" | £1.492 billion
| style="text-align:center;" | {{IncreaseNegative}}16% Increase
|-
| Boat 5
| style="text-align:center;" | £1.464 billion
| style="text-align:center;" | £1.420 billion
| style="text-align:center;" | {{DecreasePositive}}3% Decrease
|-
| Boat 6
| style="text-align:center;" | £1.579 billion
| style="text-align:center;" | £1.533 billion
| style="text-align:center;" | {{DecreasePositive}}3% Decrease
|-
| Boat 7
| style="text-align:center;" | £1.642 billion
| style="text-align:center;" | £1.640 billion
| style="text-align:center;" | {{Steady}}
|}

===Replacement===
{{main|Aukus-class submarine}}
In September 2021, the Ministry of Defence announced a £170 million investment into design work for the successor to the ''Astute''-class. This funding included two £85 million contracts, which were awarded to BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce.<ref name="successor">{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Harry |title=Navy's Next-Generation Submarines Are Closer Than Ever |url=https://www.forces.net/news/navys-next-generation-submarines-are-closer-ever |access-date=17 September 2021 |work=[[BFBS]] |date=17 September 2021 |archive-date=17 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917144151/https://www.forces.net/news/navys-next-generation-submarines-are-closer-ever |url-status=live }}</ref> In March 2023, it was announced that the submarine would be a joint project between the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States and would start to replace the ''Astute''-class in the Royal Navy in the late 2030s.<ref name="navylookout.com"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Allison |first1=George |title=UK to develop new class of nuclear submarine |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-to-develop-new-class-of-nuclear-submarine/ |access-date=17 September 2021 |work=[[UK Defence Journal]] |date=23 March 2021 |archive-date=17 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917144151/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-to-develop-new-class-of-nuclear-submarine/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Characteristics==

===Weapons and systems===
[[File:Royal Navy Submarine HMS Astute Fires a Tomahawk Cruise Missile (TLAM) During Testing Near the USA MOD 45153387.jpg|thumb|''[[HMS Astute (S119)|Astute]]'' firing a [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk]] Block IV cruise missile]]
The ''Astute'' class has stowage for 38 weapons and would typically carry a mix of [[Spearfish torpedo|Spearfish]] heavy torpedoes and [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk]] Block IV cruise missiles,<ref name=38weapons>{{Cite web|date=2021-11-25|title=Astute versus Virginia: which nuclear-powered sub is the best fit for Australia?|url=https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/astute-versus-virginia-which-nuclear-powered-sub-is-the-best-fit-for-australia/|access-date=2021-12-23|website=The Strategist|language=en-AU|archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223142909/https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/astute-versus-virginia-which-nuclear-powered-sub-is-the-best-fit-for-australia/|url-status=live}}</ref> the latter costing £870,000 each.<ref>{{cite web |title=House of Commons Hansard - Written Answers for Daily Hansard - Written Answers 17 May 2011 |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110517/text/110517w0001.htm |publisher=UK Parliament |date=17 May 2011 |access-date=6 November 2011 |archive-date=11 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011185736/https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110517/text/110517w0001.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The Tomahawk missiles are capable of hitting a target to within a few metres, to a range of {{convert|1000|mi|km|abbr=off}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=United States Navy Fact File: Tomahawk Land Attack Missile|url=http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2200&tid=1300&ct=2|website=navy.mil|publisher=US Navy|access-date=27 July 2016|archive-date=27 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827150407/http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=2200&tid=1300&ct=2|url-status=dead}}</ref> In May 2022, the MOD announced that it would be upgrading these missiles to Block V standard from 2024, which boasts an extended range and modernised in-flight communication and target selection.<ref name="block5">{{cite news |title=£265 million missile upgrade for UK submarines |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/265-million-missile-upgrade-for-uk-submarines |access-date=4 June 2022 |work=[[GOV.UK]] |date=31 May 2022 |archive-date=12 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212171623/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/265-million-missile-upgrade-for-uk-submarines |url-status=live }}</ref> The Astute Combat Management System is a new version of the [[SMCS|Submarine Command System]] used on other classes of British submarine. The system receives data from the boat's sensors and displays the results on command consoles. The submarines also have [[Atlas Elektronik|Atlas Hydrographic]] DESO 25 high-precision echosounders, two CM010 non-hull-penetrating [[Photonics mast|optronic masts]]—in place of conventional [[periscope]]s—which carry thermal imaging and low-light TV and colour [[Charge-coupled device|CCD]] TV sensors.<ref name="BBCNewsSco1">[[BBC News]] Scotland, ''[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6969958.stm A vision of evolving technologies] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070911183257/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6969958.stm |date=11 September 2007 }}'' 30 August 2007, 13:06 GMT</ref> The class also mounts a [[Identification friend or foe|Successor IFF]] system.

For detecting enemy ships and submarines, the ''Astute'' class is equipped with the sophisticated [[Sonar 2076]], an integrated passive/active search and attack [[sonar]] suite with bow, intercept, flank and towed arrays. BAE claims that the 2076 is the world's best sonar system.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/2002/press_15052002.html |publisher=BAE Systems |title=Press Release |year=2002 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100909065129/http://www.baesystems.com/Newsroom/NewsReleases/2002/press_15052002.html |archive-date=9 September 2010 }}</ref> All of the Astute-class submarines will be fitted with the advanced Common Combat System.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/february/29/160229-artful-test-fire|title=HMS Artful test fires first torpedo using new UK-made advanced Combat System - Royal Navy|access-date=25 July 2016|archive-date=30 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430230318/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/february/29/160229-artful-test-fire|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Propulsion and general specifications===
The boats of the ''Astute'' class are powered by a Rolls-Royce [[Rolls-Royce PWR#PWR2|PWR2]] (Core H) (a [[pressurised water reactor]]) and fitted with a [[pump-jet]] propulsor. The PWR2 reactor, which was developed for the ''Vanguard''-class ballistic missile submarines, has a 25-year lifespan without the need for refuelling.<ref name="tna3b">{{cite web|url=https://rina.org.uk/publications/warship-technology/project-aukus-achieving-critical-mass-scientifically-and-politically/|title=Achieving Critical Mass with Highly Enriched Uranium 2023|date=26 July 2023|access-date=26 July 2023|publisher=[[Royal Institution of Naval Architects]] by [[Dr MJ Cianni]]|archive-date=26 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726080646/https://rina.org.uk/publications/warship-technology/project-aukus-achieving-critical-mass-scientifically-and-politically/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="BAEAstute2016"/> As a result, the new submarines are about 30 per cent larger than previous British fleet submarines, which were powered by smaller-diameter reactors. Like all Royal Navy submarines, the bridge fin of the ''Astute''-class boats is specially reinforced to allow surfacing through ice caps. These submarines can also be fitted with a [[dry deck shelter]], which allows special forces (e.g. [[Special Boat Service|SBS]]) to deploy whilst the submarine is submerged.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rusi.org/downloads/assets/Willet.pdf |title=Dr Lee Willett, The ''Astute''-Class Submarine, Capabilities and Challenges, RUSI (2004) |access-date=7 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928105319/http://www.rusi.org/downloads/assets/Willet.pdf |archive-date=28 September 2011 }}</ref> More than 39,000 [[Anechoic tile|acoustic tiles]] mask the vessel's sonar signature, part of the acoustic qualities that the ''Astute'' class has over any other submarine previously operated by the Royal Navy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item577_astute.htm |title=Countdown to launch of first ''Astute'' submarine at Barrow shipyard |publisher=Shippingtimes.co.uk |access-date=7 November 2011 |archive-date=24 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724093014/http://www.shippingtimes.co.uk/item577_astute.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref>

A 2009 safety assessment by the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator concluded that PWR2 reactor safety was significantly short of good practice in two important areas: [[loss-of-coolant accident]] and control of submarine depth following emergency reactor shutdown.<ref>{{Citation |chapter-url=http://robedwards.typepad.com/files/declassified-report-to-mod-defence-board.pdf |title=Successor Submaring Project - Update |chapter=Annex B: Successor SSBN - Safety Regulator's advice on the selection of the propulsion plant in support of the future deterrent (4 November 2009) |page=21 |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=24 November 2009 |id=EC-14-02-02-01-14 / Annex B: DNSR/22/11/2 |access-date=28 March 2011 |archive-date=17 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417133948/http://robedwards.typepad.com/files/declassified-report-to-mod-defence-board.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The regulator concluded that PWR2 was "potentially vulnerable to a structural failure of the primary circuit", which is a failure mode with significant safety hazards to crew and the public.<ref name="dm-20110518">{{Cite news |url=http://www.defencemanagement.com/news_story.asp?id=16337 |title=PWR3 Reactor chosen for Trident |publisher=defencemanagement.com |date=18 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722100732/http://www.defencemanagement.com/news_story.asp?id=16337 |archive-date=22 July 2011}}</ref> Operational procedures have been amended to minimise these risks.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/CsaSafetyParamountForRnNuclearSubmarineReactors.htm |title=CSA: Safety paramount for RN nuclear submarine reactors |work=Defence News |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=9 June 2011 |access-date=17 June 2011 |archive-date=23 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623152331/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/CsaSafetyParamountForRnNuclearSubmarineReactors.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

''Astute'' is the second Royal Navy submarine class, after the ''Vanguard'' class, to have a bunk for each member of the ship's company,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://production.investis.com/astute/media/press/2007-06-08a/ |title=''Astute'' Fascinating Facts |access-date=10 December 2012 |archive-date=21 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721140936/http://production.investis.com/astute/media/press/2007-06-08a |url-status=live }}</ref> ending the practice of '[[Hot racking|hot bunking]]', whereby two sailors on opposite watches shared the same bunk at different times. However, they have less mess-deck space than the {{sclass|Valiant|submarine}}s built 45 years earlier<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/52005/response/144718/attach/5/Pdf%20DNP%20HR%20Study%20Redacted%202.pdf |title=Defence Nuclear Programme Human Resource Study |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=1 July 2009 |id=Defence Board (09)33 |access-date=16 April 2011 |archive-date=8 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008181348/http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/52005/response/144718/attach/5/Pdf%20DNP%20HR%20Study%20Redacted%202.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> and a Defence Board audit recognised mistakes had been made on accommodation standards and quality of life issues.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/52005/response/144718/attach/6/Pdf%20DOC%20Audit%20Redacted.pdf |title=Defence Nuclear Programme Human Resources Study - An Audit by Defence Operational Capability |publisher=Ministry of Defence |date=1 July 2010 |id=Defence Board (10)XX |accessdate=16 April 2011 |quote=Recommendation ... on-board accommodation standards and quality of life issues are thoroughly addressed in order to avoid the mistakes made with the ''Astute'' class. |archive-date=8 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008181405/http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/52005/response/144718/attach/6/Pdf%20DOC%20Audit%20Redacted.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Since it is nuclear powered, the boat has theoretically unlimited endurance, though in practice it is limited to 90 days at sea based on food carried (including 18,000 sausages and 4,200 [[Weetabix]]) and crew endurance.<ref name="BAEAstute2016"/>

In 2012, during the joint exercise Fellowship, ''Astute'' performed simulated battles with the latest United States Navy {{sclass|Virginia|submarine|1}}, {{USS|New Mexico|SSN-779|6}}. Royal Navy Commander Iain Breckenridge was quoted, "Our sonar is fantastic and I have never before experienced holding a submarine at the range we were holding USS ''New Mexico''. The Americans were utterly taken aback, blown away with what they were seeing".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-astute-arrives-home-from-us-sea-trials--2|title=HMS Astute arrives home from US sea trials - Announcements - GOV.UK|access-date=25 July 2016|archive-date=18 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918032321/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hms-astute-arrives-home-from-us-sea-trials--2|url-status=live}}</ref>

The ''Astute'' class are designed to achieve a top speed of {{convert|29|-|30|kn|km/h}}, but it was reported in 2012 that this speed could not be reached in trials due to a mismatch between the reactor and the turbine.<ref name="guardian-20121115b">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/nov/15/hms-astute-submarine-slow-leaky-rusty |title=Slow, leaky, rusty: Britain's 10bn submarine beset by design flaws |author=Nick Hopkins |newspaper=The Guardian |date=15 November 2012 |access-date=20 November 2012 |location=London |archive-date=31 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031121357/http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/nov/15/hms-astute-submarine-slow-leaky-rusty |url-status=live }}</ref> However, in January 2015, the [[National Audit Office (United Kingdom)|National Audit Office]] confirmed that demonstration of the top speed requirement (or Key Performance Measure (KPM)) for the ''Astute'' class was successful.<ref name="NAO2014">{{cite book|title=Major Projects Report 2014 and the Equipment Plan 2014 to 2024: Appendices and project summary sheets|date=13 January 2015|publisher=National Audit Office|page=45|url=https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Major-projects-report-2014-appendices-and-project-summary-sheets.pdf|access-date=8 August 2016|archive-date=6 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806031421/https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Major-projects-report-2014-appendices-and-project-summary-sheets.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Incidents==
*On 22 October 2010, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that ''Astute'' had "run into difficulties" off the Isle of [[Skye]] while on trials, after eyewitnesses reported the submarine had run aground a few miles from the [[Skye Bridge]]. There were no reports of injuries.<ref name="bbc20102210">{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-11605365 | title = Nuclear submarine HMS ''Astute'' runs aground off Skye | work = BBC News | date = 22 October 2010 | access-date = 22 October 2010 | archive-date = 23 October 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101023050555/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-11605365 | url-status = live }}</ref>
*On 8 April 2011, whilst the submarine was docked at Southampton, Able Seaman Ryan Samuel Donavan, using an SA 80 rifle, shot and murdered Lt Cdr Ian Molyneux in the control room of ''Astute''. He also attempted to murder Lt Cdr Christopher Hodge (who was shot through the body), PO Christopher Brown and CPO David McCoy. He fired six shots before being wrestled to the deck by visiting City Council Leader Royston Smith and Chief Executive Alistair Neill.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-14971198 | title=Sailor who murdered officer on submarine HMS Astute jailed for life | work=BBC News | date=19 September 2011 }}</ref>
*On 20 July 2016, ''Ambush'' sustained damage to the top of her conning tower during a collision with a merchant ship while surfacing on an exercise in Gibraltarian waters. It was reported that no crew members were injured during the collision and that the submarine's nuclear reactor section remained undamaged.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Staufenberg|first1=Jess|title=Royal Navy nuclear submarine collides with merchant ship off coast of Gibraltar|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/royal-navy-submarine-gibraltar-nuclear-collision-ship-coast-astute-class-hms-ambush-a7147661.html|access-date=20 July 2016|work=The Independent|archive-date=22 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722125647/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/royal-navy-submarine-gibraltar-nuclear-collision-ship-coast-astute-class-hms-ambush-a7147661.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Boats in the class==
[[File:US Navy 120126-N-WL435-305 First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff of the Royal Navy Adm. Sir Mark Stanhope, left, and Chief of Naval Operation.jpg|thumb|The UK [[First Sea Lord]], [[Admiral (Royal Navy)|Admiral]] [[Mark Stanhope|Stanhope]] (left), and US [[Chief of Naval Operations]], Admiral [[Greenert|Jonathan Greenert]] (centre), are briefed by the CO Cdr Iain Breckenridge (right) on the capabilities of ''Astute'' during the joint exercise Fellowship 2012 between ''Astute'' and {{USS|New Mexico|SSN-779|2}}]]

The names ''Astute'', ''Ambush'' and ''Artful'' were last given to {{sclass|Amphion|submarine|0}} submarines that entered service towards the end of [[World War II]]. ''Audacious'', ''Anson'' and ''Agamemnon'' were all names used by battleships that served in the First or Second World Wars.

{| class="wikitable" align="center"
! Name
! Pennant No.
! Builder
! Laid down
! Launched
! Commissioned
! Status
|-
| {{HMS|Astute|S119|2}}
| S119
|rowspan=7| [[BAE Systems Submarines|BAE Systems<br />Submarines]],<br />[[Barrow-in-Furness]]
| 31 January 2001
| 8 June 2007<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6733777.stm |title=New UK nuclear submarine launched| publisher = BBC | date = 8 June 2007 | access-date=8 June 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070618113755/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6733777.stm| archive-date= 18 June 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref>
| 27 August 2010<ref name=royal>{{cite web | url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-events/rn-live/all-news/royal-navys-most-powerful-submarine-gets-royal-approval/*/changeNav/6568 | archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100910062627/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-events/rn-live/all-news/royal-navys-most-powerful-submarine-gets-royal-approval|archive-date=10 September 2010 | title=Royal Navy's Most Powerful Submarine Gets Royal Approval | publisher= Ministry of Defence | date=27 August 2010}}</ref>
| In active service
|-
| {{HMS|Ambush|S120|2}}
| S120
| 22 October 2003
| 6 January 2011<ref>{{cite web|title=HMS Ambush|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/submarine-service/fleet-submarines/astute-class/hms-ambush|website=royalnavy.mod.uk|publisher=Royal Navy|access-date=27 July 2016|archive-date=30 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430054549/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/submarine-service/fleet-submarines/astute-class/hms-ambush|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 1 March 2013<ref>{{cite web|title=HMS Ambush Officially Welcomed into The Royal Navy|url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/March/01/130301-HMS-Ambush-Officially-Welcomed-Into-The-Royal-Navy|publisher=Royal Navy|date=2013-03-01|access-date=2013-03-07|archive-date=10 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410160301/http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/News-and-Events/Latest-News/2013/March/01/130301-HMS-Ambush-Officially-Welcomed-Into-The-Royal-Navy|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| In active service
|-
| {{HMS|Artful|S121|2}}
| S121
| 11 March 2005
| 17 May 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baesystems.com/enhancedarticle/BAES_167121/artful-launched?from=homepage-rzz|title=Home - BAE Systems - International|access-date=25 July 2016|archive-date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923191704/http://www.baesystems.com/enhancedarticle/BAES_167121/artful-launched?from=homepage-rzz|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 18 March 2016<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/march/18/160318-hms-artful |title=HMS Artful becomes a commissioned warship |publisher=Royal Navy |date=18 March 2016 |access-date=18 March 2016 |archive-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430054604/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2016/march/18/160318-hms-artful |url-status=live }}</ref>
| In active service
|-
| {{HMS|Audacious|S122|2}}
| S122
| 24 March 2009
| 28 April 2017<ref name=Hansard20170427>{{cite web| url=http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/barrow/Easy-does-it-awe-inspiring-sight-of-fourth-Astute-class-boat-to-leave-DDH-in-Barrow-attracts-onlookers-5cc3de9f-980d-4274-be57-08386d44b071-ds| title=Fourth Astute Boat Leaves DDH| work=North West Evening Mail| date=27 April 2017| access-date=27 April 2017| archive-date=2 September 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902184325/http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/barrow/Easy-does-it-awe-inspiring-sight-of-fourth-Astute-class-boat-to-leave-DDH-in-Barrow-attracts-onlookers-5cc3de9f-980d-4274-be57-08386d44b071-ds| url-status=live}}</ref>
| 3 April 2020{{refn|group=note|name=AudaciousCommission|A parliamentary written answer stated that ''Audacious'' was commissioned on 3 April 2020,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2020-04-29/HL3735/ |title=Ministry of Defence Astute Class Submarines |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=29 April 2020 |website=parliament.uk |publisher=UK Hansard |access-date=20 April 2022 |quote=HMS AUDACIOUS was commissioned into the Royal Navy on 3 April 2020 |archive-date=13 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713142212/https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Lords/2020-04-29/HL3735/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but she was ceremonially commissioned on 23 September 2021.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Royal Navy in Scotland |title=The fourth @RoyalNavy #Astute-class #submarine, HMS Audacious, has been ceremonially commissioned into the fleet. |url=https://twitter.com/RNinScotland/status/1441033142991794176 |website=Twitter |language=en |date=23 September 2021 |access-date=23 September 2021 |archive-date=23 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923201828/https://twitter.com/RNinScotland/status/1441033142991794176 |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| In active service 
|-
| {{HMS|Anson|S123|2}}
| S123
| 13 October 2011
| 20 April 2021<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/fifth-state-of-the-art-astute-submarine-is-launched|title=Fifth state-of-the-art Astute submarine is launched|work=BAE Systems|date=20 April 2021|access-date=20 April 2021|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420172010/https://www.baesystems.com/en/article/fifth-state-of-the-art-astute-submarine-is-launched|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 31 August 2022<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cumbriacrack.com/2022/08/31/boris-johnson-gives-speech-at-bae-systems-in-barrow/|title=Boris Johnson visits BAE Systems in Barrow - cumbriacrack.com|date=31 August 2022|access-date=31 August 2022|archive-date=27 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327134516/https://cumbriacrack.com/2022/08/31/boris-johnson-gives-speech-at-bae-systems-in-barrow/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=schedule>{{cite web |url=https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2020-01-30/10350/ |title=Ministry of Defence HMS Audacious |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=6 February 2020 |website=parliament.uk |publisher=UK Hansard |access-date=15 February 2020 |archive-date=15 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215132407/https://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/written-questions-answers-statements/written-question/Commons/2020-01-30/10350/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| In active service
|-
| {{HMS|Agamemnon|S124|2}}
| S124
| 18 July 2013
| 3 October 2024<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news/2024/october/03/20241003-hail-the-warrior-king-as-submarine-hms-agamemnon-is-launched |title=Hail the Warrior King as submarine HMS Agamemnon is launched |date=2 October 2024 |website=Royal Navy  |access-date=2 October 2024  }}</ref>
| ''Projected late 2025''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navylookout.com/6th-astute-class-submarine-hms-agamemnon-rolled-out-of-the-build-hall/ |title=6th Astute class submarine HMS Agamemnon rolled out of the build hall |date=1 October 2024 |website=Navy Lookout |access-date=1 October 2024  }}</ref><ref name=schedule/><ref name="The Royal Navy's Astute class subma">{{cite news|title=The Royal Navy's Astute class submarines: Part 1 – development and delivery|url=https://www.navylookout.com/the-royal-navys-astute-class-submarines-part-1-development-and-delivery/|access-date=9 January 2023|date=9 January 2023|website=Navy Lookout|archive-date=9 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230109074926/https://www.navylookout.com/the-royal-navys-astute-class-submarines-part-1-development-and-delivery/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| pre-sea trial testing
|-
| {{HMS|Achilles|S125|2}} (ex Agincourt)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-29 |title=King involved in 'woke' name change of HMS Agincourt submarine |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c86375y545yo |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref>
| S125
| 14 May 2018<ref>{{cite web |title=HMS Agincourt &#124; Royal Navy |url=https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/submarine-service/fleet-submarines/astute-class/hms-agincourt |access-date=31 August 2022 |archive-date=3 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003172631/https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/submarine-service/fleet-submarines/astute-class/hms-agincourt |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Allison |first=George |title=Royal Navy renames final Astute-class submarine |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/royal-navy-renames-final-astute-class-submarine/ |website=UK Defence Journal |access-date=26 January 2025 |date=26 January 2025}}</ref>
| 
| ''Projected late 2026''<ref name=schedule/><ref name="The Royal Navy's Astute class subma"/>
| Under construction
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|United Kingdom}}
* [[List of submarines of the Royal Navy]]
* [[List of submarine classes of the Royal Navy]]
* [[List of submarine classes in service]]
* [[Royal Navy Submarine Service]]
* [[Future of the Royal Navy]]
* [[Cruise missile submarine]]
* [[Attack submarine]]

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Astute class submarines}}
* [https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/the-equipment/submarines/attack-submarines/astute-class Royal Navy Astute Class]
* [https://www.baesystems.com/en/product/astute-class-submarines BAE Systems Astute Class]
{{Astute class submarine}}
{{UK submarine classes after 1945}}
{{Current SSN}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Astute Class Submarine}}
[[Category:Astute-class submarines| ]]
[[Category:BAE Systems]]
[[Category:Nuclear-powered submarines]]
[[Category:Submarine classes of the British Royal Navy|Astute class]]