Nuclear submarine programme takes step forward with hull unit move
The first Dreadnought pressure hull unit in transit. (Photo: BAE Systems)
The Dreadnought-class SSBNs will be the largest submarines ever built for the Royal Navy. Each boat will be capable of housing eight to 12 Trident II D5 missiles.
The first pressure hull unit for the first Dreadnought-class SSBN has been transported to Devonshire Dock Hall in Barrow, northern England, for outfitting.
The transportation of the hull unit marks a significant step in the programme that will see four nuclear submarines produced for the UK RN.
The unit was moved on 30 November.
Related Articles
Euronaval 2022: BAE Systems details Herne XLAUV concept
Why the UK's submarine nuclear deterrent line is susceptible to risk
Elbit ceases UK Dreadnought sub training work; Project Selborne role 'under negotiation'
While wrapped in black sheeting, an image released by the submarine's builder BAE Systems illustrates the scale of the future submarine.
The programme is on track for the first of class, HMS Dreadnought, to enter into service in the early 2030s.
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
Dreadnought Class (Successor Programme) (1-4) [UK]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter]()
US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
-
![US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy]()
US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
-
![Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear]()
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
![US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes]()
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
![Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule]()
Australia commissions HMAS Arafura three-and-a-half years behind schedule
The Royal Australian Navy has finally commissioned the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel – more than three years behind schedule – highlighting the programme’s delays, design compromises and ongoing industrial restructuring.
-
![Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates]()
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
