Navy unveils nuclear submarine

The Royal Navy has unveiled a new nuclear submarine for the first time in almost ten years.

HMS Astute was named by HRH Duchess of Cornwall not with a magnum of champagne but - as is traditional at the BAE dockyard in Barrow, Cumbria - with a special home-brew beer made by the ship's crew.

The sub has been described as more complicated than the space shuttle and is equipped with advanced cruise missiles and torpedoes, giving her more firepower than any previous British submarine.

Lord Drayson, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, said: "I am delighted to be here to see the launch of Astute.

"She is the first of a class of hugely impressive vessels which will give the Royal Navy the world class capability it needs to protect the UK and her interests across the globe in the 21st century.

"Astute is a truly remarkable vessel, and her importance cannot be underestimated. I am pleased that through the Maritime Industrial Strategy we are working closely with British industry to ensure that we have affordable, viable, and vibrant submarine design and manufacture skills, both now and in the future."

Astute will enter service in 2009 and will be based in Scotland. Three sister submarines Ambush, Artful and Audacious, are also planned.

The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, said: "The Astute class submarines are immensely powerful vessels.

"They will form a key part of our future programme, giving the Royal Navy the versatility and technical excellence needed to operate successfully across the globe in decades to come.

"Astute is a true multi-role platform submarine."

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