Nuclear deterrence renewal poses similar challenges to UK and US navies
The UK government is committed to beginning work on development of the next generation of nuclear warhead for its Trident missile programme. This news is hardly unsurprising given the very public commitment to the building of the next generation of SSBN (the Dreadnought class), although it was released to the public via a US government announcement in late February.
Previously, the UK had decided in the 2010 SDSR to defer formal decisions on a new warhead until the 2020 review. The news that a new programme was underway caused mild consternation in Westminster, where parliamentarians expressed surprise
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
What new technologies could be involved in UK Atlantic Bastion initiative?
As new details emerge on the UK Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO, three main areas of opportunity for new technology are the focal point.
-
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?