The UK government has come under fire for its decision to change the name of a new Royal Navy attack submarine from HMS Agincourt to HMS Achilles. Critics have accused No 10 Downing Street of trying not to offend the French by removing the reference to the famous 1415 Battle of Agincourt, where English forces led by King Henry V defeated a much larger French army.
Government Defends Submarine Name Change
In response to the backlash, a Downing Street spokesperson called the renaming “appropriate and fitting”, noting that an earlier ship called HMS Achilles had received battle honors in World War II. The spokesperson emphasized the timing, as this year marks the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.
HMS Achilles received battle honours during the second world war. So this name is particularly appropriate this year as we mark the VE and VJ Day 80th anniversaries.
– No 10 Spokesperson
Officials stated that the name Achilles had been put forward by the Royal Navy Ships’ Names and Badges Committee and approved by King Charles III. They maintained that Achilles is a “perfectly valid” name for the £1.6 billion nuclear-powered submarine, which is currently under construction in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.
Former Military Leaders Slam “Craven” Decision
However, the explanation has not satisfied some former defense officials. Admiral Lord West, former First Sea Lord, called the move “absolutely extraordinary” and a “very stupid thing to do”. He suggested it was likely done to avoid upsetting the French.
I don’t see the French renaming the Gare d’Austerlitz to avoid upsetting the Germans.
– Chris Parry, Former Royal Navy Officer
Ex-submarine commander Rear Admiral Chris Parry accused the government of “craven political correctness” and a “contemptible surrender” to ideology. He argued it was an attempt to erase British history and heritage.
Concern Over Superficial Gestures Amid Defence Challenges
Former defence secretaries also weighed in, with Grant Shapps condemning the prioritization of “woke nonsense” over military tradition under the current Labour government. His successor Ben Wallace expressed concern that the renaming, if truly aimed at appeasing the French, showed misplaced focus on “superficial” matters rather than critical defence priorities.
The Royal Navy and Ministry of Defence have not yet commented on the controversy. HMS Achilles is part of the new Astute-class of hunter-killer submarines, designed to replace the aging Trafalgar-class. The vessels are being introduced amid major global security challenges and a drive to modernize Britain’s armed forces.
As the fallout continues, some worry this episode is symptomatic of deeper issues in defence policy and national identity. With many military projects facing delays and budget overruns, hard questions remain over the future direction of the armed forces and whether Downing Street is more concerned with political messaging than enhancing warfighting capabilities. For now HMS Achilles sails on, its name a lingering reminder of the power of symbolism.
