BAE officially names second Astute class submarine

Armed with Tomahawk land-attack missiles and Spearfish torpedoes, the 97m-long stealth submarine is claimed to surpass its predecessor - HMS Astute, which was launched in 2007 - in terms of its levels of completion.

Unlike HMS Astute, Ambush will not return to land once she is rolled out of BAE’s 25,000m² Devonshire Dock Hall.

Speaking at the naming, John Hudson, managing director, BAE Systems Submarine Solutions, said Ambush is in an excellent state of readiness, an achievement attributed to all involved in her construction.

Hudson told The Engineer that delivering a programme as large and complex as Astute requires both an evaluation of technical solutions and the method of build that will bring about efficiencies for the company and an acceptable final product for the customer.

‘It’s several years ago since we chose the equipment and made the decision around the design,’ said Hudson.

He also said the company is looking at bringing in components that can be introduced to the submarine more easily, making it more cost effective. He noted that progress in electronics means elements of the combat system can be bought at a more cost-competitive price.