Tag Archives: Lisa Murphy

Hunter killer sub Astute arrives at her home port

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Measuring nearly one hundred metres from bow to stern, Astute is longer than ten London buses. When fully loaded, she will displace 7,800 tonnes of sea water, equivalent to 65 blue whales.

The Astute submarine has the latest stealth technology, a world-beating sonar system and is armed with 38 torpedoes and missiles – more than any previous Royal Navy submarine. She will be able to circumnavigate the globe while submerged, and advanced nuclear technology means that she will never need to be refuelled.

Astute will be followed in due course by her sister submarines Ambush, Artful and Audacious. These four comprise the first of the expected seven submarines in the Astute Class. The Astute class will carry the potent Spearfish Heavyweight torpedo which can destroy submarines or surface ships, and Tomahawk cruise missiles that can hit inland targets with pinpoint accuracy. The boats will have 50 per cent more firepower than the existing Trafalgar class submarines they will succeed in service.

After touring Astute, the Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said:

This is a significant milestone for Astute as she arrives for the first time in her homeport of Faslane. The Astute class of submarines will deliver a step change in capability for defence in terms of anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, protecting the deterrent, providing land attack and intelligence gathering. Astute will now begin a set of sea trials ahead of her full acceptance with the Royal Navy next year.

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, said:

The Astute Class is truly next generation. They are immensely powerful vessels and 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.

Astute is a joint warfighting asset and I look forward to her entry into service, along with that of her six sisters which include Ambush, Artful and Audacious.

Commodore Chris Hockley, the Naval Base Commander at HM Naval Base Clyde, said:

I am particularly pleased and excited at the prospect of welcoming Astute to her home Base today. There has been significant investment and preparations made over several years to prepare us for this occasion.

The Clyde will become a centre of specialisation for submarines, and, of course, submarine training. With the arrival of Astute I cannot think of a more exciting time to be a submariner.

[ENDS]

Notes to Editors
1.For more information, please contact Lisa Murphy of the DEwww.defencenewsimagery.mod.uk in the package 16112009c.
3.HM Naval Base Clyde is the biggest single site employer in Scotland and the biggest military establishment in Scotland. More than 6,000 people are employed directly and an estimated 4,000 more rely on the base economically.
4.Astutes arrival begins a process that will see HM Naval Base Clyde become the UKs sole operating submarine base over the next decade. To this end, infrastructure improvements and spends have included:

150 million on new single living accommodation for submariners and other associated functions;

150 million on a new high tech floating jetty which will eventually service all the Royal Navys hunter-killer attack submarines.

Extra bunker-buster missiles for Afghan frontline

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An extra 1,300 of the light-weight, shoulder-mounted guided missiles being sent to the frontline to top-up stocks of the combat-proven weapon in Afghanistan, where it is being used extensively by frontline forces.

Troops in Afghanistan are using Javelin to blow-up fortified enemy positions and mortar compounds. The system also provides an excellent 24-hour surveillance, target and acquisition (STA) capability to the troops. The missile identifies targets using thermal-imaging technology to deliver an explosive and precise punch.

It is operated by a crew of two and has a range of up to 4km. The missile can be fired from enclosed spaces, providing enhanced flexibility and protection for its crew.

Javelins power was demonstrated by troops on Salisbury Plain this week who were training with the weapon. Sgt Ross Jones RM, from 42 Commando, who was on the exercise, said the weapon was awesome and added:

For the people that we support, they know that we have got their back and we are their angel on their shoulders watching their every move and this gives them peace of mind when they move on the ground below us.

If we are going to invest in these missiles its definitely a good idea the amount that are being used and fired in theatre is phenomenal. They do save lives and anything that can do that is a good idea.

Speaking from Afghanistan, Capt Warren Marginson, Second-In-Command of B Company, 3 RIFLES, said:

Javelin is an invaluable asset to troops on the ground. Its accuracy and firepower mean we are now able to handle many more situations on the ground ourselves and reduce the need to call in close air support.

The weapon is versatile and has the ability to deliver the warhead accurately on target. We now have the ability to strike in day or night and in all weather conditions but more importantly Javelin gives us the ability to identify insurgent activity in all conditions.

Announcing the contract award to the company Javelin Joint Venture, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said:

The Javelin weapon system gives our troops the battle-winning edge in Afghanistan and the fire-and-forget missile is proving its worth on the frontline.

Topping up the supplies of this very effective weapon will give our armed forces the firepower they need to ensure they have the upper hand against the Taliban.

Notes to Editors:

1.For further information contact either Lisa Murphy in the DEwww.defencenewsimagery.mod.uk.

3.The Javelin Weapons System first entered service in July 2005. The Command Launch Unit and Missile has a combined weight of 25.6kg. The missile alone weighs 15.5kg.

4.Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) is a joint venture company owned by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. UK-based Selex produces seeker components and assemblies, with QinetiQ providing testing facilities.