The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the dismantling of the former Royal Navy submarine Swiftsure remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2026, as part of the UK’s Submarine Dismantling Programme, according to a written response published on 30 April 2025.
Responding to a question from Graeme Downie MP (Labour – Dunfermline and Dollar), Defence Minister Maria Eagle stated: “The demonstrator submarine, SWIFTSURE, remains on track to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026.”
The dismantling of Swiftsure is the first full-scale disposal of a defuelled nuclear-powered submarine under the Submarine Dismantling Programme (SDP). The process is being carried out at Rosyth Dockyard in Fife.
Eagle confirmed that there are currently “six further defueled Pressurised Water Reactor 1 (PWR1) submarines awaiting dismantling in Rosyth.” These submarines, like Swiftsure, have had their nuclear fuel removed and are being stored safely while awaiting dismantlement.
Regarding future plans for the remaining boats, Eagle stated: “Further announcements about dismantling the remaining PWR1 submarines will be made at the appropriate time.”
The SDP aims to address the long-standing backlog of retired Royal Navy submarines and ensure their safe and environmentally responsible disposal, while meeting regulatory and safety standards.
I can’t recall Maria Eagle ever admitting something isn’t “on track”. Something could be coming years late, but it’s always going according to plan according to her. Unfortunately that means it’s necessary to check. Fortunately, the “disassembled by” date announced in summer 2023 does match that just announced: by the end of 2026.
HMS Victory ?
STUPID. We need submarines and surface ships for the wars coming with russia and merica. Some people might say the ships and boats we have are out of date or need fixing, but hell, it is a damned sight easier to fight from am out of date boat than by swimming across the north sea knife in mouth
Stupid is what Stupid Types.
“That’s all I got to say about that”.
Swiftsure was decommissioned over 30 years ago…..
PWR1 could never be fuelled as you could never have a safety case for it.
The hull will have reached its maximum number of cycles.
No crew would tolerate the conditions onboard.
None of the systems on board would be maintainable as you couldn’t get the bits anymore.