The UK Royal Navy has taken the controversial step of renaming its new Astute-class submarine from HMS Agincourt to HMS Achilles, stirring debate over the decision's motivations and broader implications for military tradition.
This renaming marks the rebranding of the seventh and final Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine, currently under construction at the BAE Systems facility in Barrow-in-Furness. Originally named after the historic Battle of Agincourt, where King Henry V's forces triumphed over the French in 1415, the decision to adopt the name HMS Achilles has raised eyebrows among military and political observers.
Former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps was particularly vocal about his disapproval, claiming the renaming is "nothing short of sacrilege." He asserted, "This submarine carries a name which honors a defining moment in British history. Under Labour, woke nonsense is being put ahead of tradition and our armed forces’ proud heritage." His sentiments echoed the feelings of other critics who view the decision as part of broader political correctness.
Sir Ben Wallace, another former Defence Secretary, also dismissed the notion of offending the French, stating, "We're very close to the French. They don't get put off by names like this. This shows a very pathetic grasp of foreign policy and relationships." These statements reflect concerns within parts of the political spectrum about the potential dilution of historical significance associated with military names.
According to official sources within the Royal Navy, the decision to rebrand was proposed by the Royal Navy Ships Names and Badging Committee and was approved by His Majesty the King. The name HMS Achilles was suggested to resonate with the recognition of the 80th anniversaries of VE (Victory in Europe) Day and VJ (Victory over Japan) Day this year. Unlike Agincourt, Achilles holds its own military significance, having been borne by six previous Royal Navy ships, including renowned vessels which participated prominently during World War II.
Rear Admiral Chris Parry, retired from the Royal Navy, expressed strong criticism of the renaming, calling it "craven political correctness and ideology gone mad." He questioned whether standards of history were being upheld, noting, "I don’t see the French renaming the Gare d’Austerlitz to avoid upsetting the Germans. And now I'm concerned we might lose Waterloo and Trafalgar Square." This blunt commentary suggests the renaming is seen as part of broader domestic societal changes impacting historical perceptions.
The background of this name change is also notable. Initially announced as HMS Agincourt back when construction began under the previous Conservative government, the name was chosen to honor not just the battle but also signify resilience and national heritage. The submarine's renaming process, which started more than a year ago, came well before the recent change of UK government to Labour, indicating the decision has roots extending back through various political administrations.
Responses to this renaming continue to highlight the discontent among some sections of the military community, as well as the larger discourse surrounding the interplay of tradition and current sociopolitical dynamics. Senior officials and military members express discomfort with the feeling of historical revisions, culminating with comment from Shapps, who connectors such shifts to overarching ideological movements within the defence strategy.
Despite the backlash, the Royal Navy maintains its stance, emphasizing the importance of remembering its rich military history and the famous battles fought. A Royal Navy spokesman articulated this position well, declaring, "We are proud of our nation’s rich military history and the many famous battles fought. The seventh boat is to be called Achilles, as approved by His Majesty the King."
The new HMS Achilles is intended to be among the most advanced technological assets of the Royal Navy when it launches — currently scheduled for 2026. It is expected to carry 98 crew members and up to 38 weapons, which include Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes. This future submariner will play a strategic role within the fleet as it transitions toward newer assets under the AUKUS security pact.
Nonetheless, concern simmers over the long-term effects such name changes may have on the perception of Britain's naval history and its reflection on the identity of the nation’s armed forces. The consensus among critics remains clear: engaging with history sensitively should not come at the expense of its longstanding honour and legacy.