What You Need to Know: The Royal Navy's Astute-class submarines are cutting-edge nuclear-powered attack subs known for their advanced stealth, endurance, and firepower. Equipped with Rolls-Royce PWR2 reactors, they can circumnavigate the globe submerged, recycling air and water for theoretically unlimited endurance.

-Their quiet operation, enhanced by 39,000 anti-acoustic tiles, rivals the noise of a "baby dolphin." With Tomahawk cruise missiles, Spearfish torpedoes, and the powerful Sonar 2076 suite, they deliver unmatched offensive and detection capabilities.

-Designed with modern technologies like video periscopes and dry deck shelters for Special Forces deployment, the Astute-class is among the world’s most capable submarines, second only to U.S. counterparts.

The Astute class are among the most capable submarines in service today.

Each boat is equipped with world-leading sensors, carries Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes, and can circumnavigate the globe submerged, producing its own oxygen and drinking water.

Only the U.S. Navy can match these underwater warships.

As noted by naval analyst H I Sutton, the Astute-class subs are the only ones outside the U.S. Navy able to launch the Tomahawk, a capability that truly sets them apart.

The Astute-class program began in February 1986 when the Ministry of Defence (MOD) launched a number of studies intended to determine the capabilities and requirements for the........

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