The third of the new Astute Class attack submarines built by BAE Systems,
Artful, has officially been handed over to the Royal Navy.
Until now the submarine was owned by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S),
the MOD’s body responsible for procuring and supporting equipment
for the armed forces. |
The
boat and her crew will now be added to the Royal Navy Fleet alongside
the Navy’s other units.
Defence Minister Philip Dunne said:
“The handover of Artful to the Royal Navy is another major
step in the Astute Class submarine programme, which continues to gather
pace. These attack submarines, will provide the Royal Navy with the
most technologically advanced submarine Britain has ever sent to sea
and will be a vital part of UK security for decades to come. They are
being funded by our growing Defence budget and our £178 billion
investment in equipment, which is delivering the very best possible
kit to our Armed Forces.”
The design and build of the Astute class is a highly complex engineering
feat. The 7,400-tonne attack submarines measure 97 metres and are powered
by nuclear reactors. Each submarine is armed with Spearfish torpedoes
and Tomahawk land attack missiles.
Artful is the third (of seven) Astute class submarine to have
been built by BAE Systems. Artful follows her sister submarines
to Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde in Scotland. |
