Key Points: HMS Triumph (S93), the Royal Navy’s final Trafalgar-class submarine, has completed its final deployment, marking the end of the Trafalgar-class era in the UK’s submarine fleet.
-Known for significant advancements over previous classes, the T-Boats served as the most advanced Royal Navy nuclear submarines until the introduction of the Astute class.
-Triumph notably supported global operations, including launching Tomahawk missiles during missions in Afghanistan and Libya.
-As the Trafalgar class retires, the Astute class now carries the Royal Navy’s undersea legacy forward with modern capabilities.
HMS Triumph Marks the End of the Trafalgar-Class Era in Royal Navy History
HMS Triumph (S93) the Royal Navy’s final Trafalgar-class attack submarine has completed its final deployment and arrived home in Plymouth on Thursday. It marks the end of the line for what had been the largest number in a single class of nuclear-powered boats built for the UK’s senior service.
The Trafalgar-class SNNs were often known as “T-Boats” to honor the World War II T-class diesel-electric submarines. Seven were constructed, representing a major improvement on the Swiftsure class, a derivative of the Churchill class.
The Trafalgar class was considered the most advanced Royal Navy nuclear fleet submarine until the introduction of the Astute class in 2002.
A True Triumph
HMS Triumph, which was laid down at the UK’s Barrow shipyard in February 1987, was commissioned in October 1991. She was the tenth Royal Navy vessel to bear the name – one of the most enduring in the sea service’s long history. The first was a 680-gun galleon that was built in 1561, and which was described as “the largest built in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.”
S93 was also the second submarine to bear the name after N18, a T-class boat launched in 1938 and sunk in 1942. The most recent HMS Triumph (R16) was a Colossus-class light fleet aircraft carrier that was launched in 1944. She was too late to see service in World War II but took part in operations in Korea before being converted to a heavy repair ship.
Trafalgar-class. Image: Creative Commons.
According to the Royal Navy, the most recent HMS Triumph “flew her decommissioning pennant and was escorted in by an array of vessels as she entered Plymouth Sound – marking the end of her fruitful time on front-line operations that took her around the globe to all corners of the planet.”
“This submarine has served not just as a vessel, but as a symbol of commitment, courage and camaraderie,” said Commander Aaron Williams, commanding officer of HMS Triumph. “And while this chapter of HMS Triumph’s story ends, her spirit will endure in the memories of all who served aboard her, and in the gratitude of the nations she helped protect.”
HMS Triumph In Service
After completing sea trials, the submarine was deployed to Australia in 1993. The journey of 41,000 miles submerged – and without support – was the longest solo deployment of a Royal Navy nuclear-powered sub to that point.
The SSN later saw service in the 2001 U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom, launching Tomahawk missiles at Taliban targets. The 85.4-meter-long (280-foot-long) submarine later took part in combat operations in Libya, firing missiles from the Mediterranean Sea.
“On both occasions, Triumph flew the Jolly Roger flag from her fin as she returned to Plymouth – a Submarine Service tradition which celebrates the completion of a successful combat mission,” the Royal Navy added.
Royal Navy Trafalgar-class submarine HMS Trenchant and Royal Navy Wildcat HMA2, attached to Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke (F234), participate in a passenger exchange during exercise Saxon Warrior 2017, Aug. 5. Saxon Warrior is a United States and United Kingdom co-hosted carrier strike group exercise that demonstrates interoperability and capability to respond to crises and deter potential threats.
“Having spent many years serving in Trafalgar-class SSNs it is with both pride and sadness that I see these excellent submarines reach the end of their career,” said Royal Navy Director Submarine, Rear Admiral Andy Perks. “The last of the Cold War submarines, these vessels have helped keep our country safe for over 30 years. As this era ends though, we can be assured that our Submarine Service remains well served by the Astute-class SSN.”
Five of the newer submarines – HMS Astute, HMS Ambush, HMS Artful, HMS Audacious, and HMS Anson –are now in service. Two more of the class are now under construction and will enter service in the coming years.
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Peter Suciu is a Senior Editor focusing on defense issues for 19FortyFive. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,500 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on X: @PeterSuciu – and on Bluesky: @petersuciu.bsky.social.
