Home / News / Third Astute submarine officially consigned to Royal Navy
Third Astute submarine officially consigned to Royal Navy
DB News: 15/12/2015 - 11:59
Initially 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 crew will not be added to the Royal Navy Fleet alongside other Navy 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.”
Following the hand over, an official commissioning ceremony will be held in March 2016, where Lady Amanda Zambellas, will formally welcome Artful into the fleet in the home of the UK Submarine Service, HM Naval Base Clyde.
Lady Zambellas said: “This is a really important milestone in the life of Artful as she takes her place in the Fleet under the White Ensign. I am extremely proud of my association with the submarine and look forward to her commissioning next year when I will also meet the Ship’s Company that will take her on operations around the world.”
Artful is one of seven Astute class submarines being constructed for the Royal Navy by BAE Systems Marine Services, which are progressively replacing the Trafalgar Class submarines.
Along with HMS Artful, HMS Astute and HMS Ambush are the first of the Class to be accepted by Navy Command, which is responsible for operating all of the Royal Navy’s vessels.
Rear Admiral Mike Wareham, Director Submarines Acquisition at DE&S, the MOD’s procurement organisation, said: “The handover of Artful to the Royal Navy is a proud moment for DE&S reflecting a key milestone and a significant achievement in the
Astute programme. It follows a number of sea trials which have successfully demonstrated the submarine’s capability and means she can now begin to prepare for operations with the Royal Navy.”
