For the last eight weeks, BAE Systems has been testing a new extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle at a secret testing harbor on the UK south coast. Called Herne, it is like a small submarine, which can operate using its inbuilt systems without any human input.
Britain's sixth of seven Astute-class submarines being built has officially been named Agamemnon at BAE Systems' Submarines site in Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria. She takes her name from the ancient Greek king and is due to be launched later this year, ahead of being commissioned into the Royal Navy.
Events across the UK will celebrate the 50 years of dedication of submariners on the longest operation ever carried out by British armed forces. No mission has been longer – or more important – than the nuclear deterrent patrols performed around the clock by the Royal Navy over the past half-century.
The UK Defence Secretary has announced £79 million of investment in the next generation of Royal Navy submarines. The Successor submarines, which will carry the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent will be the largest and most advanced boats operated by the Navy and their design and construction will be the most technologically complex in the history of the UK.