The Royal Navy has formally welcomed its newest nuclear-powered submarine, HMS Agamemnon, into service in a ceremony led by the King and the Defence Secretary.
In a rare break from naval tradition, King Charles III personally read the commissioning warrant, officially declaring the 7,400-tonne vessel ready for duty during the event at the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
Sixth Astute-Class Submarine
HMS Agamemnon is the sixth of seven Astute-class fleet submarines being built for the Royal Navy. Designed to provide unrivalled versatility and firepower, she will play a central role in safeguarding the UK’s nuclear deterrent, supporting carrier strike groups, and defending undersea infrastructure.
At 97 metres long, the submarine is equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems that allow her to strike land targets up to 1,000 miles away, act as a covert launch platform for Royal Marines Commandos, and conduct sensitive intelligence-gathering missions.
A “Silent Guardian” for Decades Ahead
Lady Sarah Jane Sedwill, sponsor of the boat and long-time supporter of the crew, paid tribute to the more than 100 men and women of “Team Aggie” who brought the cutting-edge vessel to the brink of frontline service.
She praised their work, describing HMS Agamemnon as providing “silent security to defend our nation, allies and interests for many decades to come”.
Royal Navy’s Future Force
The addition of HMS Agamemnon strengthens the Royal Navy’s undersea fleet at a time of growing global competition beneath the waves. Alongside her Astute-class sister boats, she will deliver precision strike, intelligence and deterrence capabilities well into the middle of the century.
The commissioning of HMS Agamemnon marks not only a milestone for the Royal Navy, but also a moment of national pride, the latest step in Britain’s ongoing commitment to maintaining one of the world’s most advanced submarine forces.
