HMS Astute (S119)

HMS Astute (S119) was the second submarine of the Royal Navy to be named for the characteristic of shrewdness and discernment. The first was HMS Astute (P447), an Amphion class submarine launched during World War II.

The second Astute is the lead ship of her class of nuclear-powered attack submarines. She was laid down on January 31, 2001, 100 years to the day since the keel was laid down for USS Holland (SS-1), the first modern submarine. In July 2002, the British Minister of Defence announced that she was 12-18 months behind schedule and would not be delivered before late 2006.