New submarine named after ancient Greek king

The submarine was christened with bottle of beer from the local Ulverston Brewing Company

A new Royal Navy submarine has been officially named after the ancient Greek king Agamemnon.

The ceremony to name the Astute-class vessel took place at the BAE Systems’ Submarines site in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, on Monday.

It is the sixth of seven attack submarines that have been built at the site and is expected to be ready for service later this year.

In Greek mythology, Agamemnon sacrificed his daughter in order to secure favourable winds during the Trojan war.

The minister for defence procurement James Cartlidge said HMS Agamemnon would "play a vital role in defence of the nation".

At 97m (318ft) long, the nuclear-powered vessel is due to launch on water before the end of 2024.

Steve Timms, Managing Director, BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said they were "fully focused on completing the remainder of Agamemnon's programme so she can join her sister submarines in service with the Royal Navy".

The sub is the sixth Royal Navy vessel to be named Agamemnon

The first Royal Navy vessel named Agamemnon saw action at the Battle of Trafalgar and was a favoured ship for Vice Admiral Lord Nelson, BAE said.

The name was used for four further Royal Navy ships before being chosen for the latest sub.

Five Astute-class submarines are already in service and BAE Systems said work was "well under way" in Barrow on the seventh and final vessel.

The Ministry of Defence previously announced further investment in the Barrow shipyard to build the first three boats in the Dreadnought Class, which is the next generation of nuclear deterrent submarines that will replace the current Vanguard Class.