A partnering document has been signed between the Ministry of Defence and a private organisation with a view to providing training for the next generation of Royal Navy submarines.

Capt Jon Westbrook, Director of Maritime Training (North), and Mr Geoff Butterworth, Chief Executive Officer of FAST Training Services Ltd (FAST-TSL), signed a partnering document at Faslane setting out the principles by which Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) and FAST intend to work together to provide submarine sea and shore collective training in the future.

FAST-TSL will deliver the MoD contract under a private finance initiative (PFI) to design, build and deliver training for the Royal Navy’s Astute-class attack submarines.

The contract will provide a new purpose-built training centre, currently under construction at HM Naval Base Clyde, which will have advanced training equipment and simulators to support individual and collective training.

FOST will remain responsible for the provision of operational sea training for the Astute class to compliment the shore training being developed by FAST.

Rear Admiral James Rapp (FOST) said: “I am very pleased that the relationship between FAST and my submarine trainers is developing well.

“Together, we need to ensure that Astute-class training maintains the reputation for excellence expected by the Commander-in-Chief Fleet. Quality training is key to quality operational capability.”

Mr Butterworth said: “FAST recognises how vital training is to the operational effectiveness and safety of the Astute class submarines.

“By developing a close working relationship with FOST, the Commander-in-Chief Fleet can be assured that he will be presented with a seamless training solution.”

FAST-TSL is described as a ‘special purpose vehicle’ which comprises AMS and CAE Inc, and was first awarded the 30-year PFI contract in September 2001.

The Astute-class submarines, of which three are currently in build at BAE Systems’ yard at Barrow-in-Furness, will displace 7,200 tonnes when dived, and will be just under 100 metres in length.

The class will have six weapons tubes – the Royal Navy’s current S- and T-class attack submarines have five – and the boats will be powered by Core H Pressurised Water Reactors (PWR) which will not require refuelling for the entire service life of the submarine.