Following the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile’s (TLAM) prominent first wave role in all recent land campaigns, the Submarine Service has remained the sole custodian of the United Kingdom’s TLAM capability.

Astute can be deployed carrying over 50per cent more missiles than previous classes. This includes the latest variant of the TLAM, which has an extended range, improved accuracy and greater in-flight interaction, making it a more modern and versatile weapon. Using this system, Astute is able to patrol a coastline and deliver a surgical strike in support of land forces several hundred miles away.

As you would expect Astute retains the most traditional ability of the Submarine Service – to search for, track and destroy enemy ships and submarines. This capability has been enhanced by the boat’s sonar fit and can safeguard the transit of surface vessels – be it a deployed carrier battle group or the merchant vessels essential to the UK’s economy. The UK Spearfish heavyweight torpedo would provide a knockout blow to any adversary that Astute is ordered to engage.