Analysis: Embarrassing incident that must never happen again

BASED at Faslane, with integrated command and control, HMS Astute is the first of a class intended to eventually number seven vessels.

The Astute class is a natural extension from the hugely successful Trafalgar class nuclear powered submarines that are still the backbone of the current Royal Navy underwater fleet.

Astute is a technological marvel of its time and has a nuclear reactor that should never need refuelling during an anticipated 25-year vessel life.

It is fair to say this incident was not the Royal Navy’s finest hour and it would have been hugely embarrassing for everyone involved and for the navy itself. They have clearly not properly assessed the potential for risk with this operation. There simply hasn’t been a proper strategy put in place or a robust policy of risk awareness.

Although there has been a catalogue of incidents with submarines over the years, this particular one was very much a one-off and I’m sure the navy will already have gone to great pains to ensure nothing like it ever happens again. It happened at a very difficult time when a lot of Royal Navy resources were being slashed and burned due to spending cuts.

In terms of what lessons can be learned, the main thing is simply planning much better. An incident like this should simply not be happening in this day and age, with all the electronics and sophisticated technology a submarine like HMS Astute has at its disposal.

• Howard Wheeldon is a leading defence consultant and strategist.