Contractor BAE SYSTEMS Astute Class Limited. Subject to MoD approval, they will also be the Prime Contractor for the anticipated second buy of three further Astute Class boats which will maintain the Royal Navy's attack submarine force level at ten. The contract for the second buy is expected to be placed in late 2002 and BAE SYSTEMS Marine will be ready to accept the challenge thus maintaining and strengthening the partnership between its Barrow shipyard, the MoD and the Royal Navy in the 21st century.
