Sub order protects 3,000 jobs

THE Ministry of Defence has commissioned a new £1.2bn submarine which will safeguard some 3,000 jobs in Barrow-in-Furness.

The submarine, HMS Audacious, will be the fourth of seven Astute Class boats being built for the Navy. It will join Astute, Ambush and Artful in the growing fleet.

A further £1.5bn has also been committed to fund preliminary work on three submarines yet to be built, which will complete the fleet.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: “This contract marks an important step forward in the progress of our attack submarine programme and moves the Royal Navy closer to adding more of these highly-advanced and powerful attack submarines to its fleet.

“Our ability to commit an additional £1.5bn for boats five, six and seven underlines the benefits of a balanced budget and fully-funded equipment programme that gives our armed forces greater certainty.

“This funding demonstrates our commitment not only to a key Royal Navy capability, but also to the submarine industry in Barrow, which will play a vital role in Britain’s defence for decades to come.”

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