Boost to UK defence as new submarines to be ready by 2030s

By Christopher Sharp, News Reporter

The new AUKUS submarines (not pictured) could be ready by the end of the 2030s (Image: Getty)

Minister of State for Defence James Cartlidge has confirmed that the UK’s brand new fleet of submarines will be ready by the 2030s.

Mr Cartlidge said that the new subs, replacing the current Astute class vessels, will be complete by the end of the next decade.

In a statement, Mr Cartlidge said: “The Royal Navy’s submersible ship nuclear AUKUS submarines will be operational from the late 2030s, replacing the current Astute Class.”

The development of the new submarines forms part of a recently formed defence partnership between by the UK, Australia, and the USA.

Grant Shapps travelled to Australia to sign the new deal for the development of AUKUS submarines (Image: Getty)

Last month, it was announced that BAE Systems had won the contract to help with the development of the next generation of submarines.

The new submarine construction programme, which will be done in partnership with Australia, could be worth billions to the economy according to Defence Secretary Grant Shapps. Signing the deal in Australia, Mr Shapps emphasised the benefits of the deal both to the UK nationally and internationally.

He said: “In a more dangerous world, today’s announcement symbolises the huge confidence our close partner Australia has in our world-leading defence industry, including companies such as BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce.

“Through these collaborations, British industry will grow, and thousands of jobs will be created across the country, delivering security and prosperity to our two nations.”

Mr Shapps added that opportunities created by AUKUS and the new submarines could be worth “billions across the life of the Australian submarine programme”.

Whilst the AUKUS submarines are being developed, the UK is continuing to produce the Astute class vessels they will replace.

Last month the sixth Astute class submarine was named in a special ceremony in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. Named, Agamemnon, the 7,400 tonne vessel will be launched later this year.

Managing director of BAE Systems Submarines, Steve Timms hailed the imminent arrival of Agamemnon to the seas. He said: “This is a key milestone for Agamemnon and the UK nuclear submarine programme, and contributes to the Government's Defence Nuclear Enterprise Command Paper, which underpinned the importance of our business and Barrow in delivering this national endeavour.

“The Astute Class submarines are a vital component of our nation's defence capabilities and we are fully focused on completing the remainder of Agamemnon's programme so she can join her sister submarines in service with the Royal Navy.”