HMS Astute
Defence
Mike Hancock (Portsmouth South, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he plans that HMS Astute will be fully operational.
Peter Luff (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Defence Equipment, Support and Technology), Defence; Mid Worcestershire, Conservative)
HMS Astute is currently undertaking a period of comprehensive sea trials and training before being handed over to the Royal Navy for operational service, which on current plans will be in early 2013. HMS Astute will then conduct a period of operational sea training for approximately six weeks, after which it is planned that the ship will be declared fully operational.