Naval Systems

Astute-class submarine

The Astute class is the Royal Navy's current nuclear-powered attack submarine family, built by BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness. These boats use optronic masts instead of traditional periscopes, carry Tomahawk land-attack missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes, and are designed for covert strike, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence work.

Specifications

Displacement
7,400 tonnes
Length
97 metres
Speed
30 knots
Range
Unlimited submerged
Armament
Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes
Sensors
Sonar 2076 integrated passive/active search sonar suite with hull and towed arrays
Masts
Optronic masts instead of traditional optical periscopes

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
HMS Astute was commissioned in 2010; five Astute-class boats were in service in 2025, with HMS Agamemnon and HMS Achilles still under construction.
Used by
Royal Navy

Conflict Usage

Astute-class submarines are attack submarines armed with Tomahawk land-attack missiles and Spearfish torpedoes. HMS Astute deployed as the submarine element of UK Carrier Strike Group 21; the strike group conducted combat missions against Daesh under Operation Shader. The reviewed public sources did not show an Astute-class combat missile or torpedo launch.

Timeline

Astute-class submarine Key Events

  1. HMS Astute fires first Tomahawk

    The first Astute-class boat completed its first test firing mission by launching Tomahawk missiles during trials in the Gulf of Mexico.

    Sources: Navy sub fires first Tomahawk missile

  2. HMS Astute returns from Carrier Strike Group deployment

    Royal Navy reporting said HMS Astute returned to HMNB Clyde after deploying with the Carrier Strike Group, where it provided undersea defense.

    Sources: Carrier Strike Group submarine returns home

  3. First commission ends with refit

    The Royal Navy marked 15 years of continuous service as HMS Astute entered Devonport for a mid-life revalidation period.

    Sources: Royal Navy hunter-killer submarine completes first historic phase of front-line career

Astute-class submarine Images

Related Weapon Systems

Sources