BAE cuts steel for third Dreadnought submarine
A rendering of a Dreadnought-class submarine. (Photo: BAE Systems)
The UK's programme to replace its nuclear deterrent submarines has taken another step forward.
Steel has been cut for the future Dreadnought-class SSBN, HMS Warspite, during a ceremony at BAE Systems Barrow-in-Furness yard.
Warspite is the third of four SSBNs the yard is building to make up the future RN continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent force.
Defence Procurement Minister Alex Chalk said: 'Our nuclear deterrent protects every UK citizen from the most extreme threats, every minute of every day, and progress on the Dreadnought class is crucial to maintaining our national security.
'This milestone is a significant step forward in the Dreadnought programme, supporting thousands of jobs and apprenticeships across the country, and protecting the UK and our allies for decades to come.'
The four Dreadnought boats will replace the in-service Vanguard-class SSBNs from the early 2030s.
The steel cutting for the third boat follows another milestone when last December, the first pressure hull unit for the first Dreadnought-class vessel was transported to Devonshire Dock Hall in Barrow, northern England, for outfitting.
The whole-life cost of the new submarines will be around £31 billion across the four vessels' 35-year service life.
Each boat will displace 17,200t and measure 153.6m in length.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Italian Navy secures funds for two new FREMMs amid push for a bigger fleet]()
Italian Navy secures funds for two new FREMMs amid push for a bigger fleet
Italy plans to procure two more FREMM frigates as part of a push to strengthen its naval capabilities amid an increased Russian presence in the Mediterranean.
-
![Brunei receives a first ex-Singaporean patrol vessel]()
Brunei receives a first ex-Singaporean patrol vessel
Singapore has donated two of its former patrol vessels to Brunei, with the first being commissioned on 21 March.
-
![Singapore selects Saab and ST Engineering for Multi-Role Combat Vessel]()
Singapore selects Saab and ST Engineering for Multi-Role Combat Vessel
Singapore is proceeding with a new class of warship to replace its Victory-class corvettes.
-
![Cairo adds more American ships to its fleet]()
Cairo adds more American ships to its fleet
The Egyptian Navy recently has taken delivery of three former USN Cyclone-class patrol coastal ships.
-
![Keel laid for Brazil's MEKO-based Tamandaré frigate]()
Keel laid for Brazil's MEKO-based Tamandaré frigate
Tamandaré is the first of our ships being acquired under the Brazilian programme, which will be built in blocks.
-
![Malta takes delivery of new flagship]()
Malta takes delivery of new flagship
At a ceremony in Valetta, Italy's Cantiere Navale Vittoria delivered the new flagship of the Maltese armed forces.
