機敏級潛艇（astute-class）是英國皇家海軍最新一級的核動力戰術潛艇，因其首艦機敏號而得名。，皇家海軍將訂購七艘這一級別的潛艇，將由位於巴羅因弗內斯的BAE系統公司完成建造^[。

 Ordered by the Ministry of Defense for service with the Royal Navy, the Astute class boat is an SSN (nuclear-powered attack submarine). It is of the type designed to replace the service's Swiftsure class nuclear-powered attack submarines laid down in 1970-1977 and commissioned in 1974-1981, and therefore nearing the end of their operational lives. The Ministry of Defense issued invitations to tender in July 1994 for the construction of an initial three submarines with an option of a further two, and December 1995 GEC-Marconi (now BAE Systems Marine) was selected as the prime contractor. The initial order was for a first tranche of three submarines, as fixed in the original invitation to tender, but the Ministry of Defense later announced that it was planning a follow-on order for another three rather than just two submarines. The contract decision for the second tranche was expected in 2004, for the commissioning of the resulted submarines in 2012-2014. Currently a total of 7 Astute class boats are planned.

   The performance specification for the Astute class submarines is essentially a development of that which characterizes the Trafalgar Batch 1 class boats operated by the 2nd Submarine Squadron from the Royal Navy's base at Devonport. The design requirements included a 50 percent increase in weapons load and a significant reduction in radiated noise levels. The design matured into what was in effect a development of the fully modernized Trafalgar class submarine with a longer fin and two Thales (originally Pilkington Optronics) CM010 optronic periscopes whose masts do not penetrate the hull.

The Astute class is the latest class of nuclear-powered attack submarines in service of the British Royal Navy.^] The class sets a new standard for the Royal Navy in terms of weapons load, communication facilities and stealth. The boats are being constructed by BAE Systems Maritime – Submarines at Barrow-in-Furness.^[] Seven boats will be constructed. The first of class, Astute, was launched in 2007 and commissioned in 2010, and the second, Ambush, was launched on 6 January 2011,^] and commissioned on 1 March 2013.^] Astute was declared fully operational in May 2014^] while both she and Ambush have sailed for their maiden deployments.

 https://youtu.be/rdsDcBpsj2s

The 7,400-tonne nuclear-powered attack submarine is undergoing final preparations before leaving for its operational base at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde, in Faslane, Scotland. From there, it will undergo sea trials, when its full range of capabilities will be tested under the control of its Commanding Officer, Commander Scott Bower. Artful’s sister submarines, HMS Astute (S119) and HMS Ambush (S120), are already operating out of Faslane.

Mr. Fallon, who also visited BAE Systems’ giant build hall in which final assembly of each 318-feet-long/97-meter-long submarine takes place, said: «The Astute submarine programme is a key part of our £163 billion plan to ensure that our armed forces have the equipment they need. HMS Artful (S121) will now join HMS Astute (S119) and HMS Ambush (S120), helping to keep Britain safe. The next four boats are already under construction, securing thousands of jobs and showing our commitment to increase defence spending each year for the rest of the decade».

1. HMS Astute (S119)
2. HMS Ambush (S120)
3. HMS Artful (S121)
4. Audacious (S122)
5. Anson (S123)
6. Agamemnon (S124)
7. Ajax (S125)

The Royal Navy’s Astute Class submarine is nuclear powered attack submarine which will replace the five Swiftsure Class submarines. The performance specification of the Astute is an extension of the performance of the Trafalgar Class batch 1 fleet of the Royal Navy’s second Submarine Squadron, based at Devonport.

The Trafalgar batch 1 submarines are to be decommissioned by 2022.

BAE Systems Astute Class is the prime contractor for the project and the submarines are being built at the BAE Systems Marine Barrow shipyard. The first three Astute Ships were named HMS Astute (S119), HMS Ambush (S120) and HMS Artful (S121). The fourth submarine was names HMS Audacious (S122). The fifth Astute Class submarine was named HMS Anson (S123) in September, 2011. The sixth and seventh will be named as HMS Agamemnon (S124) and HMS Ajax (S125) respectively.