Article Summary and Key Points: The Royal Navy’s Astute-class submarines, built by BAE Systems, represent cutting-edge naval technology despite early development challenges.
-Replacing the aging Trafalgar-class, the Astute boats feature unparalleled stealth through advanced hull coatings and acoustic quieting technology, alongside powerful armament such as Tomahawk cruise missiles and Spearfish torpedoes.
-Although early boats faced significant technical issues—including speed limitations, leaks, and corrosion—the Navy has addressed these through extensive upgrades.
-With seven submarines planned, five already commissioned, and continuous improvements underway, the Astute-class remains a cornerstone of British naval power, significantly enhancing underwater capabilities, survivability, and the UK’s strategic presence at sea.
How Britain’s Astute-Class Submarines Became Underwater Powerhouses
The Astute-class submarines are the UK Royal Navy’s newest class of submarines. These nuclear-powered fleet submarines (SSNs), designed and constructed by BAE Systems Submarines, are among the most advanced and powerful attack submarines in the world.
While the Astute-class has had its fair share of issues in the past, it remains one of the best attack submarines in the world.
Replacing the Trafalgar-Class
The Astute-class program began in February 1986 when the UK Ministry of Defense (MOD) initiated studies to replace the aging Swiftsure and Trafalgar-class submarines. Initially, the project, known as SSN20, aimed to create a revolutionary design with enhanced nuclear propulsion, firepower, and sophisticated sonar and combat systems.
However, the end of the Cold War led to a shift in priorities, emphasizing cost control and building upon the existing Trafalgar-class design.
The first of the Astute-class submarines, HMS Astute, was launched in 2007 and commissioned in 2010. The class is set to include seven submarines, with HMS Astute, Ambush, Artful, Audacious, and Anson already in active service, and HMS Agamemnon and Achilles under construction.
The King of the Seas?
One of the most significant features of the Astute-class submarines is their stealth.
They are among the quietest submarines ever constructed, making them extremely difficult to detect. This is achieved through advanced acoustic quieting techniques and the use of anechoic tiles on the hull. The submarines are also equipped with Thales Sonar 2076, one of the world’s most advanced sonar systems, providing unparalleled underwater detection capabilities. This sonar suite includes both passive and active sonar arrays, allowing the submarines to detect and track other vessels at great distances.
The Astute-class submarines are heavily armed, with six 21-inch torpedo tubes capable of launching a variety of weapons. These include the Tomahawk Block IV cruise missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes.
The Tomahawk missiles have a range of over 1,000 miles and can strike targets with pinpoint accuracy, making them a powerful tool for land-attack missions. The Spearfish torpedoes are designed for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, capable of destroying enemy submarines and ships with a 660-pound explosive charge.
The Astute-class submarines are equipped with a comprehensive suite of sensors and processing systems. In addition to the Thales Sonar 2076, they feature the Atlas DESO 25 echosounder and two Thales CM010 optronic masts.
These masts replace traditional periscopes and provide high-resolution video feeds for navigation and surveillance. The submarines also have advanced electronic warfare systems and communication equipment, allowing them to gather intelligence and maintain secure communications with other naval assets.
The Astute-class submarines are designed with crew comfort in mind. They have a complement of 98 personnel, with the capacity to accommodate up to 109. The submarines can produce their own oxygen and drinking water, allowing them to remain submerged for up to 90 days based on the amount of food carried and the endurance of the crew.
The living quarters are designed to be more spacious and comfortable compared to previous submarine classes, helping to improve crew morale during long deployments.
The Command and Control System (CCS) on the Astute-class submarines is highly advanced, integrating information from various onboard and external sensors to create a comprehensive tactical picture. This system manages the firing and control of weapons, ensuring that the submarines can respond quickly and effectively to threats.
The CCS operates as an integrated network of systems, providing resilience and integrity to support operations.
Astute-Class: Some Technical Difficulties Along the Way
Despite its impressive design, the Astute-class has had its fair share of controversies during its lifetime. The HMS Astute, the lead submarine of the class, encountered numerous design and construction issues. Reports indicated that the submarine was too slow to perform some of its intended duties and experienced leaks and corrosion. During exercises off the east coast of the United States, a pipe carrying seawater to the reactor leaked, forcing an emergency surfacing.
Investigations revealed that some components were made from substandard materials, raising concerns about the overall quality of construction.
The submarine’s CCTV-style periscope struggled to function effectively in rough seas, and the reserve battery was deemed insufficient to power the submarine adequately. These issues highlighted the need for rigorous quality control and testing during the construction phase.
The Astute-class program has faced significant financial pressures and schedule delays. The Whole Life Cost (WLC) of the program increased from £10.827 billion in 2022/23 to £11.256 billion in 2023/24, primarily due to inflation and delivery pace at the shipyard. Additionally, productivity rates at the shipyard and delays in the in-water phase for Boat 6 posed risks to the overall schedule.
A confidential MOD memo revealed that corrosion on the first two Astute-class submarines, HMS Astute and HMS Ambush, was extensive and caused by cost-cutting measures. The memo warned that severe problems could be expected in the future, potentially leading to increased maintenance and repair times.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite these challenges, the Astute-class program has made significant progress. The Royal Navy has successfully commissioned five submarines, with two more under construction. The program remains on track to deliver all seven boats, with ongoing efforts to address and mitigate the identified issues.
The Astute-class submarines have continued to play a crucial role in the Royal Navy’s strategic capabilities. Their advanced technology, stealth, and firepower make them formidable assets in underwater warfare. As the program progresses, lessons learned from early challenges will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and improvement of these cutting-edge submarines.
The Astute-class submarines represent a significant leap forward in the Royal Navy’s underwater capabilities. While the program has faced its share of difficulties in the past, the Royal Navy has continued to iron out any issues that surface. As these submarines continue to evolve and improve, they will remain at the forefront of the UK’s submarine fleet and remain a vital part of the nation’s security.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
