DEFENCE Secretary Michael Fallon warned that we live in 'dangerous times' as he confirmed the Navy's newest attack submarine will set sail for sea trials from Furness this summer.
The cabinet minister spent four hours visiting the Barrow base of BAE Systems to inspect HMS Artful (pictured), which is one of seven state-of-the-art Astute Class submarines being built on site.
He said the £10 billion investment in the submarines, which carry cruise missiles, was necessary as 'we face multiple threats from Russian aggression and the rise of ISIL'.
The government's commitment to construct the seven subs at the site ensures job security for 3,700 workers for around 30 years to come.
Mr Fallon described Cumbria as being 'vital' to national defence and gave 'a continuing vote of confidence' to the workers at the shipyard, many of whom originate from South Lakeland as well as Barrow.
Speaking on his visit to BAE Systems today (July 10), the minister said: "The astute programme is a key part of our £163bn plan to ensure that our armed forces have the equipment they need.
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"Thousands of jobs have been secured and it shows our commitment to increasing defence spending each year for the rest of the decade."
Petty Officer David Ham, who will be stationed on the sub, said: "It's nice to know the people at the top have an interest."
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