BAE Systems has signed a multimillion contract with the UK Government to deliver the next generation of Astute submarines, the largest and most advanced attack submarines ever built for the Royal Navy.
According to the official announcement, the company will work alongside the SDA, Rolls-Royce, Babcock and partners on the new class of nuclear powered attack submarines for the UK Royal Navy.
The new agreement will secure 250 jobs in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
“We’re very proud of our role in the delivery of the nation’s submarine fleet and this contract further builds on our rich heritage,” said Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines business.
“In what is the 150th anniversary year of our Barrow shipyard, we now have the opportunity to further strengthen our partnership with the Royal Navy long in to the future. We’re looking forward to working with our partners and helping to deliver another strategically important and critical national defence programme.”
Four of the seven Astute submarines have already been delivered to the Royal Navy. The remaining three are currently under construction at BAE Systems’ site in Barrow.
“Marking the start of a new journey in submarine development, British designers and engineers will lead the way in building submarines for our Royal Navy,” said Ben Wallace, the Secretary of State for Defence.
“This multi-million pound investment ensures that this vital capability will be ready to replace our Astute class submarines as they come out of service, whilst supporting high-skilled jobs across the Midlands and North West of England.”
BAE Systems are also constructing the Dreadnought class submarine which is set to replace the Barrow-built Vanguard class submarines.
