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.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement]()
The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement
The UK will spend an estimated US$3.89 billion over the next decade in joint naval programmes, a lot of which will be in cooperation with Norway.
-
![Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?]()
Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?
Rheinmetall has unveiled its first next-generation frigate design, showing ambitions to compete as a surface combatant prime contractor. While the company is targeting North America, analysts believe the concept may be better positioned for future European programmes.
-
![US Navy begins SPY-6(V)4 radar testing ahead of first Arleigh Burke destroyer backfit]()
US Navy begins SPY-6(V)4 radar testing ahead of first Arleigh Burke destroyer backfit
Wallops Island trials will validate the next-generation radar's combat system integration before its installation aboard USS Pinckney, the first Flight IIA destroyer to receive the SPY-6(V)4 upgrade.
