The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence has awarded the British shipbuilder BAE Systems Submarines a contract for the delivery of the fifth Astute-class submarine, taking the total value for work on the vessel to £1.3 billion.

The contract covers the design and remaining build, test and commissioning activities on HMS Anson boat, the fifth of seven submarines in the class. Manufacturing commenced in 2010. HMS Anson is now at an advanced stage of construction at BAE Systems Submarines’ site in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria and on schedule to leave for sea trials in 2020.

The nuclear powered attack submarines replace the current fleet of Vanguard-class submarines, which carry the United Kingdom’s strategic national deterrent.