From the posted Global-Defence.org article:
The second Astute Class submarine will be S.120 HMS Ambush and she will be followed by S.121 HMS Artful.
It appears to reflect a focus on high technology and stealth rather than brute power. It could be PR or PC, to create an image of a "friendlier" navy....to an outside observer, it could easily look that way.
I tend to prefer the 'brute power' and "cudgel of death" themed names, but the Royal Navy didn't ask me when they were in the process of naming the vessels :-)
‘I tend to prefer the ‘brute power’ and “cudgel of death” themed names, but the Royal Navy didn’t ask me when they were in the process of naming the vessels :-)’
The RN has always named it’s craft with reference to their role.
The UsS Arleigh Burke, SS Beaver State, USNS Big Horn and USS Charlotte are hardly going to have the enemy soiling their undies! :D