HMS Agamemnon, the sixth of the Royal Navy’s Astute-class hunter-killer submarines, has arrived at her homeport of HM Naval Base Clyde.
The vessel, which sailed from BAE Systems in Barrow on 25 September, was met with a warm welcome on Friday, with members of the Submarine Flotilla lining up to greet her alongside Director Submarines Rear Admiral Andy Perks, Naval Base Commander Clyde Commodore Andy Bray, and Commander of the Submarine Flotilla Commodore Ben Haskins.
The Astute-class is the largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarine ever operated by the Royal Navy.
HMS Astute, Ambush, Artful, Audacious, and Anson are already in service with the Royal Navy, with Agamemnon set to join them as an operational vessel following the completion of her trials. The seventh, and final, vessel of the class – HMS Achilles – is currently under construction at Barrow.
The Astutes are the first class not to be fitted with optical periscopes, instead using high-specification video technology to scan the horizon. They are also the quietest submarines ever constructed, and can circumnavigate the globe completely submerged, creating their own oxygen and drinking water.
Among the class’s formidable arsenal is the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, allowing them to strike ground targets hundreds of miles inland with pinpoint accuracy. They also carry the Spearfish torpedo which can attack targets up to 30 miles away at low speed.
“The arrival of HMS Agamemnon at HM Naval Base Clyde is a significant milestone for the Royal Navy,” said Rear Admiral Perks. “Her delivery reflects the dedication, skill and collaboration of thousands of people across our Defence Nuclear Enterprise, who have worked together to build one of the world’s most capable attack submarines and deliver a formidable warfighting capability for the United Kingdom.
“As she begins a demanding programme of sea trials and operational preparation, I am delighted to welcome the submarine and her ship’s company to their new home on the Clyde, and I look forward to seeing them join the operational fleet in due course.”
Since leaving her Barrow, the crew of around 100 Royal Navy submariners has been putting the high-tech vessel through her paces at sea, testing performance, manoeuvrability, speed, and general seaworthiness.
The arrival at HM Naval Base Clyde came at a particularly special time for the Submarine Service, with the boat coming alongside the base exactly 125-years to the day since the Royal Navy’s first submarine, Holland 1, was launched.
The Commanding Officer of HMS Agamemnon, Commander John Gabb, said: “It is an enormous privilege to be the first person to command this vessel at sea. We will get to know Agamemnon well over the coming months, but this submarine is incredibly quiet, has a world-class sonar and will be home to us all as we generate for operations.”
HMS Agamemnon’s keel was laid in July 2013 and she was commissioned by His Majesty King Charles III on 22 September 2025. The submarine’s first dive was soon after in October 2025 at BAE Barrow’s Devonshire Dock Hall where she was submerged some 15 metres.
Agamemnon’s first dive at sea was conducted on her way to the Clyde, in the Inner Hebrides Exercise Areas.
Commander Gabb continued: “The first dive for any submarine is a significant achievement in its generation. While this time we were being supported by a Merlin helicopter, it will not be long before we are conducting realistic pre-operational training using the same aircraft to simulate the enemy.
“Next time we will be pushing the crew and the submarine to its maximum potential to operate undetected.”
Commander of the Submarine Flotilla, Commodore Ben Haskins, said: “Welcoming HMS Agamemnon, the newest submarine of the Flotilla into her new home at HM Naval Base Clyde is a special moment for our service. To get here the crew have conducted themselves with the professionalism and dedication that is expected from every one of our submariners.
“Today’s milestone marks the first step on a journey which will soon see this outstanding boat delivering high-tempo operations across the globe.”
