Newest Royal Navy submarine launched at Faslane
HMS Artful is the most advanced submarine in the UK and has new stealth technology
The "world's most advanced" nuclear submarine has officially joined the Royal Navy fleet.
The 7,400-tonne HMS Artful was commissioned in a ceremony at Faslane naval base on the Clyde attend by the submarine's 150 crew, their families and senior Navy officials.
Built at BAE Systems' shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, it moved to HM Naval Base Clyde in 2015 to undergo sea trials off the west coast of Scotland.
It is the third Astute-class attack submarine to join the fleet following HMS Astute and HMS Ambush, said to be the most powerful ever operated by the force. Commodore Mike Walliker, commander of the Faslane flotilla, said:
For 50 years we've been operating nuclear submarines in this country and today we commissioned the most advanced nuclear submarine we have ever put to sea, and as of today bar-none in the world.
"She is fitted with the most advanced weapons system, a very good propulsion system and is capable of operating undetected all over the world for months at a time.''
Armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, HMS Artful will be able to strike targets up to 1,200 miles from the coast while stealth technology allows it to remain undetected despite being 50% larger than the Trafalgar-class subs.
Commander Stuart Armstrong, captain of HMS Artful, said:
"From the bow to stern, she contains the most advanced technology that the Royal Navy has ever put to sea in a submarine.
"She is alive and has a beating heart in the crew that serve on board. It's us who decide where she goes and decide when she can unleash her awesome potential.
Despite being the most advanced sub to join the fleet, space inside remains as limited as traditional Navy boats. Warrant officer Russell Garner said:
"I served on Vanguard-class previously and it's still the same tight spaces, but you learn to live with it.
"Obviously, this is the most technologically-advanced submarine in the fleet and that's the most important thing. Hopefully it will stand us in good stead for the future."
HMS Astute and Ambush have already completed deployments in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
The Navy said the submarines have been involved in anti-smuggling operations and provided Tomahawk Land Attack Missile capability in support of anti-terrorism operations in the region.
All seven of the Navy's Astute-class vessels will eventually be based on the Clyde.
The next two submarines in the class, Audacious and Anson, are currently being built in Barrow, with Agamemnon and the as yet unnamed seventh sub to follow.