BAE Systems awarded £1.3bn contract for Anson Submarine
Above:
Image of Astute Class Submarines under construction.
The full contract covers the design and remaining build, test and commissioning activities on Anson, the fifth of seven technologically-advanced submarines in the class. Manufacturing commenced in 2010. Anson is now at an advanced stage of construction at our Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria site and on schedule to leave for sea trials in 2020.
Tony Johns, Managing Director of BAE Systems Submarines, said: "Signing this contract is an important milestone in the Astute programme.
"This is a hugely complex national endeavour and we are proud of the role we play in helping to protect our nation's interests.
"HMS Astute and HMS Ambush are already demonstrating their world-class capabilities with the Royal Navy, whilst the third submarine in the class, Artful, is continuing with her sea trials. The build phase for the fourth, Audacious, is also well advanced, so we continue to make positive progress across the programme."
Crown Copyright
The contract was announced by Philip Dunne MP (above), Minister of State for Defence Procurement, during a recent visit to the home of the UK’s submarine manufacturing industry based at BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria and viewed progress already made on the new submarine.
He said: “This £1.3 billion contract marks an important step in the progress of the Astute programme. This is a key part of our £166 billion plan to ensure that our armed forces have the equipment they need to defend the UK’s interests across the seas, in the skies and on land, both at home and abroad.”
“This new contract for Anson not only provides significant financial savings of £50 million to the taxpayer but also secures thousands of jobs in Barrow and across the UK supply chain, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to increase defence spending each year for the rest of the decade.”
BAE Systems employs more than 7,600 people in its submarines business, which includes those that work on the Astute programme, with thousands more working in the 400 suppliers across the UK submarine supply chain.