拢1.3Bn contract awarded for latest attack submarine
A 拢1.3 billion contract to build the latest Astute Class attack submarine for the Royal Navy has been awarded by the Ministry of Defence.
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Both time and money are being saved on the building of Anson, the Royal Navy鈥檚 fifth Astute submarine. Savings of 拢50 million for the taxpayer have been achieved during negotiations with BAE Systems, and the agreed build time is to date the shortest ever for the Astute Class, with a current schedule some nine months ahead of that for Boat 3 (Artful).
Defence Minister Philip Dunne made the announcement as he visited the home of the UK鈥檚 submarine manufacturing industry based in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria and viewed progress already made on the new submarine.
BAE Systems employs more than 7,600 people in its Submarines business, which includes those that work on the Astute programme, with thousands more working in the 400 suppliers across the UK submarine supply chain.
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Defence Minister Philip Dunne said:
This 拢1.3 billion contract marks an important step in the progress of the Astute programme. This is a key part of our 拢166 billion plan to ensure that our armed forces have the equipment they need to defend the UK鈥檚 interests across the seas, in the skies and on land, both at home and abroad.
This new contract for Anson not only provides significant financial savings of 拢50 million to the taxpayer but also secures thousands of jobs in Barrow and across the UK supply chain, demonstrating the Government鈥檚 commitment to increase defence spending each year for the rest of the decade.
Director Submarines at the MOD鈥檚 Defence Equipment and Support organisation, Rear Admiral Mike Wareham, said:
The Astute Class provides the Royal Navy with the most technologically advanced submarines, offering much greater firepower, better communications, and more advanced stealth technology than their predecessors.
The first two of class, HMS Astute and HMS Ambush, are already in service and making a vital contribution to the defence of UK鈥檚 interest, both at home and overseas. Third of class Artful is undergoing sea trials and is due to be handed over to the Royal Navy by the end of 2015.
Featuring the latest nuclear-powered technology, the Astute class can circumnavigate the world submerged, manufacturing the crew鈥檚 oxygen from seawater as they go.
They also have the ability to operate covertly and remain undetected in almost all circumstances despite being 50 per cent bigger than the Royal Navy鈥檚 current Trafalgar Class submarines.
HMS Artful, the third of the Royal Navy鈥檚 new Astute Class attack submarines, set sail from Barrow in July.
On his visit, Mr Dunne was also able to see the progress being made on Barrow鈥檚 拢300 million infrastructure upgrade programme, which is due to be completed by 2022. This will prepare the site for investment in a new fleet of four Successor Ballistic Missile submarines and the renewal of Britain鈥檚 nuclear deterrent.
Anson Infographic.