UK (Parliament Politics magazine) – King Charles III formally commissioned HMS Agamemnon, the Royal Navy’s newest Astute-class nuclear attack submarine, in a ceremony at BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness shipyard. The event also celebrated Barrow receiving royal port status while the government began construction on the final Dreadnought-class submarine, supporting tens of thousands of UK jobs and apprenticeships in the defence nuclear sector.
King Charles III Commissions HMS Agamemnon
On 22 September 2025, His Majesty King Charles III officiated the commissioning of HMS Agamemnon, the sixth Astute-class nuclear-powered attack submarine for the Royal Navy, at the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria .
Approximately 500 guests attended the ceremony, including senior government officials, naval leaders, industry executives, shipbuilders, and crew families. The King read the formal commissioning warrant, officially bringing HMS Agamemnon into active service .
Commander David Crosby, the submarine’s commanding officer, praised HMS Agamemnon as “a product of stealth, equipped with world-leading sensors and crewed by a highly-trained and dedicated crew,” emphasising its critical role in protecting the United Kingdom’s security interests.
Barrow-in-Furness Awarded Royal Port Status
The commissioning event coincided with King Charles conferring Royal Port status on the Port of Barrow. This prestigious designation recognises Barrow’s historic and ongoing contributions to British shipbuilding and submarine construction, which span over a century.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alexander Scott, described the day as “historic for the Port of Barrow and for the people of Barrow,” marking an honour for the community and reinforcing the town’s national importance.
Barrow’s mayor, Fred Chatfield, expressed pride in the town’s enduring legacy and the town’s unique honour to welcome the King on this special occasion (The News, 2025).
Government Advances Final Dreadnought-Class Submarine
In a parallel ceremony at Barrow, the Defence Secretary led the steel-cutting for HMS King George VI, the fourth and final vessel of the Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines, marking the start of its construction.
The government reiterated its commitment to the nuclear deterrent ‘triple lock’ with these milestones: building four new Dreadnought submarines, maintaining a continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, and delivering future system upgrades. This ensures the UK’s strategic defence is maintained well into the 2060s .
Employment and Apprenticeship Growth in the Defence Sector
The submarine building programme sustains tens of thousands of UK jobs, particularly in Barrow, where defence nuclear employment has grown by over 1,000 personnel since July 2024, reaching more than 13,500 jobs. This increase aligns with the government’s Plan for Change, aiming to boost skilled jobs, apprenticeships, and regional growth through defence industries.
Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems’ chief executive, affirmed the importance of the workforce and their craftsmanship in delivering advanced submarines critical to UK security.
Capabilities and Strategic Importance of HMS Agamemnon
At 7,400 tonnes and 97 metres long, HMS Agamemnon brings formidable capabilities to the Royal Navy’s fleet. It can deploy Spearfish torpedoes against enemy vessels and launch Tomahawk cruise missiles with a range of up to 1,000 miles to strike land targets.
The submarine also plays a vital role in protecting the UK’s nuclear deterrent, supporting carrier strike groups, and safeguarding undersea infrastructure, featuring cutting-edge sensors and stealth technology.
First Sea Lord Highlights the Strategic Milestone
First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins remarked,
“The commissioning of HMS Agamemnon and the steel cut for HMS King George VI mark significant milestones in the Royal Navy’s enduring commitment to safeguarding our nation.”
He underscored the importance of maintaining continuous at-sea deterrence amid evolving threats .
Future Outlook for Royal Navy Submarine Fleet
HMS Agamemnon is the sixth of seven planned Astute-class submarines, gradually replacing older classes such as Swiftsure and Trafalgar. Despite this progress, analysts caution that the total number of attack submarines remains limited compared to previous fleets, raising questions about future subsurface capabilities.
The ongoing construction of Dreadnought-class submarines aims to ensure the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent’s longevity beyond the mid-21st century.
Community and Cultural Significance
The commissioning event included family-oriented activities and was celebrated by music performances such as those by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Lady Sarah Jane Sedwill, HMS Agamemnon’s sponsor, praised the team’s dedication in bringing the vessel near frontline capability, ensuring “silent security” for decades to come.
Barrow residents and shipbuilding families expressed enthusiasm and pride, highlighting the tight-knit community’s role in sustaining crucial national defence capabilities.
King Charles III’s commissioning of HMS Agamemnon symbolizes a historic moment for the UK’s nuclear submarine programme, combining cutting-edge military technology and deep-rooted industrial heritage. Simultaneous progress on the Dreadnought-class further solidifies the UK’s commitment to maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent.
Beyond technological milestones, these events mark the vitality of regional employment and apprenticeships, the strategic safety net for the nation, and the enduring partnership between defence industry and government. The Royal Port of Barrow’s new status reflects this legacy and hopes for continued British maritime defence leadership.