One of the most sophisticated warships ever built is approaching the final stages of construction, showcasing the extraordinary engineering skills and expertise behind the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.
Britain’s proud tradition of naval engineering continues in Cumbria, where the Royal Navy’s seventh and final Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarine, HMS Achilles, is taking shape at the historic Barrow-in-Furness shipyard.
The enormous submarine, representing thousands of hours of specialist engineering, manufacturing and technical expertise, has welcomed its official sponsor for the first time as construction progresses towards its next major milestones.
Baroness Martha Lane Fox visited the BAE Systems shipyard to meet the sailors who will eventually serve aboard HMS Achilles, alongside the engineers, technicians and shipbuilders responsible for bringing the formidable vessel to life.
The Royal Navy announced the visit on Tuesday 27 October, describing Achilles as the most advanced submarine the service has ever operated.
Weighing more than 7,000 tonnes, the vessel represents one of Britain’s most complex engineering projects, combining nuclear propulsion, advanced weapons systems and sophisticated underwater technology.
British engineering at its finest
HMS Achilles is the final submarine in the Royal Navy’s Astute-class programme, constructed by BAE Systems at Barrow-in-Furness, a town with a long and distinguished history of building warships for Britain’s armed forces.
The Astute-class submarines are among the most technologically advanced attack submarines in the world, designed to undertake intelligence gathering, surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and precision-strike operations.
Powered by nuclear reactors developed by Rolls-Royce, the submarines are designed to operate for their entire service lives without needing to refuel their reactors.
The vessels are approximately 97 metres long and displace around 7,400 tonnes when submerged.
They are equipped to carry Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes and Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, giving the Royal Navy significant offensive and defensive capabilities.
Unlike Britain’s Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines, which carry the nation’s nuclear deterrent, the Astute-class boats are nuclear-powered but conventionally armed.
Their primary responsibilities include protecting British naval assets, gathering intelligence, supporting NATO operations and helping safeguard the country’s maritime security.
The construction programme also supports thousands of skilled British jobs.
When the Ministry of Defence awarded BAE Systems the £1.5 billion contract for the seventh Astute-class submarine in 2018, it said the programme would help sustain approximately 8,000 jobs at Barrow and across the wider supply chain.
A special first visit
During her visit to the Devonshire Dock Hall, where HMS Achilles is being assembled, Baroness Lane Fox was accompanied by the submarine’s commanding officer, Commander ‘Bing’ Crosby.
She also met Astute Programme Director Pete Tumelty and Managing Director of Submarine Operations Dean Armstrong.
The Baroness was introduced to members of the specialist construction team before visiting crew accommodation and meeting members of the submarine’s ship’s company.
Describing the experience as a career highlight, she praised the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved.
“Seeing Achilles for the first time was a real career highlight,” she said.
Baroness Lane Fox, who co-founded Lastminute.com and is currently President of the British Chambers of Commerce and Chancellor of The Open University, has been appointed the submarine’s official sponsor.
Her responsibilities will include supporting the vessel and its crew throughout its service life, attending major events such as its naming, launch and commissioning, and helping raise public awareness of the Royal Navy’s Submarine Service.
She also expressed her determination to promote the work being carried out in Cumbria.
“My main intention now is to try and raise the profile of Barrow and the submarine community in the places I operate,” she said.
‘Last of class, best of class’
HMS Achilles’ commanding officer, Commander Crosby, has described the submarine as “last of class, best of class”, reflecting the ambition of those involved in completing the final vessel in the Astute programme.
He welcomed the sponsor’s visit as another important moment in the submarine’s development.
“This first visit strengthened the bond between the Baroness and everyone associated with Achilles and gave her a valuable insight into the dedication, professionalism, and daily life of the boat team and crew,” he said.
The commanding officer added that her continued engagement would help inspire and motivate the personnel preparing to serve aboard the submarine.
Baroness Lane Fox also visited the Submarines Academy for Skills and Knowledge and the Portland Walk training campus.
The latter occupies a former shopping centre which has been transformed into a specialist training and learning facility, helping develop the next generation of Britain’s submarine engineers and technical specialists.
A proud future for British shipbuilding
The construction of HMS Achilles comes as Britain continues to invest heavily in its submarine-building capabilities.
In September, the sixth Astute-class submarine, HMS Agamemnon, departed Barrow-in-Furness to begin sea trials, marking another significant development for the Royal Navy.
Meanwhile, work is already under way at Barrow on the new Dreadnought-class submarines, which will eventually replace Britain’s existing Vanguard-class nuclear deterrent fleet.
BAE Systems is also involved in early design and development work for the next generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines under the AUKUS partnership between Britain, Australia and the United States.
The future SSN-AUKUS submarines are expected to replace the Astute class from the late 2030s, helping sustain Britain’s specialist shipbuilding industry for decades to come.
According to the Ministry of Defence, more than 14,000 roles in Barrow-in-Furness are supported by defence nuclear work, underlining the importance of the industry to the local and national economy.
The Government has also committed substantial investment to Britain’s submarine industrial base, including infrastructure, manufacturing capacity and the development of a highly skilled workforce.
Celebrating 125 years of the Submarine Service
The latest milestone for HMS Achilles comes during a particularly significant year for the Royal Navy.
In 2026, Britain’s Submarine Service is commemorating its 125th anniversary, marking more than a century of underwater operations, technological innovation and service to the nation.
Since its establishment in 1901, the Submarine Service has played a crucial role in Britain’s maritime defence, through two world wars, the Cold War and modern international operations.
Its history is also marked by the sacrifices of thousands of submariners who never returned from patrol.
HMS Achilles will become the seventh Royal Navy vessel to carry the name of the legendary Greek warrior, continuing another longstanding naval tradition.
Although the submarine remains under construction and has not yet been launched or commissioned, the latest visit represents a significant moment for the people preparing to bring her into service.
In a world of rapidly evolving defence technology, the work taking place in Barrow-in-Furness demonstrates that Britain continues to possess the specialist expertise required to design and build some of the most advanced naval vessels in existence.
For the engineers, shipbuilders and submariners involved in HMS Achilles, it is an achievement that carries forward generations of British maritime skill, innovation and service.
And when the submarine eventually enters the Royal Navy’s fleet, she will represent not only an important addition to Britain’s naval defences, but also the enduring capabilities of British engineering and manufacturing.
Image: Jack Lions
