UK’s biggest submarine Artful docks at Faslane

Britain’s latest nuclear-powered submarine has arrived at its new home on the Clyde.
The new 7,400 tonnes Artful, the third of the Royal Navy's new Astute Class attack submarines has arrived at Faslane. Picture: HemediaThe new 7,400 tonnes Artful, the third of the Royal Navy's new Astute Class attack submarines has arrived at Faslane. Picture: Hemedia
The new 7,400 tonnes Artful, the third of the Royal Navy's new Astute Class attack submarines has arrived at Faslane. Picture: Hemedia

Britain’s latest nuclear-powered submarine has arrived at its new home on the Clyde.

Artful, a 7,400-tonne attack submarine, was received during a ceremony at the Faslane naval base near Helensburgh.

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The third boat in the seven-strong Astute Class was welcomed by Scotland’s senior naval officer Rear Admiral Jon Weale.

The new 7,400 tonnes Artful, the third of the Royal Navy's new Astute Class attack submarines has arrived at Faslane. Picture: PAThe new 7,400 tonnes Artful, the third of the Royal Navy's new Astute Class attack submarines has arrived at Faslane. Picture: PA
The new 7,400 tonnes Artful, the third of the Royal Navy's new Astute Class attack submarines has arrived at Faslane. Picture: PA

Artful will be commissioned into the Royal Navy later this year, when she will officially become one of Her Majesty’s Submarines (HMS).

The Astute class of vessels are the largest and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy, boasting state-of-the-art communications equipment and advanced stealth technology.

As home of the UK submarine service, HM Naval Base Clyde will host all seven vessels and is already home to HMS Astute and HMS Ambush.

The other submarines in the class - in various stages of design or build - are Audacious, Anson and Agamemnon. The seventh boat name has still to be confirmed.

Artful left its construction hall at the Devonshire Dock Hall in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, in May last year ahead of a series of trials.