Dreadnought sea trial timing kept quiet due to security

The Ministry of Defence has declined to say when HMS Dreadnought is scheduled to begin sea trials, arguing that releasing the timetable could prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

The position was set out in a written parliamentary answer to Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who asked in what year the first Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarine was scheduled to commence sea trials.

Defence Minister Luke Pollard said: “Providing the dates of sea trials for the Dreadnought class would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.”

The MOD did, however, restate the broad timetable for bringing the submarine into operational service.

Pollard added: “Dreadnought will conduct her sea trials at an appropriate time so that she will be ready to enter service in the early 2030s.”

The question followed a July MOD announcement on an £8.4 billion investment in the UK’s nuclear deterrent programme. Obese-Jecty sought a specific year for the start of sea trials, but the department declined to narrow the timetable beyond saying that trials will take place in time to support entry into service in the early 2030s.

HMS Dreadnought is the first of four submarines being built to replace the Royal Navy’s Vanguard class and sustain the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent. The class will eventually assume responsibility for carrying the UK’s submarine-launched nuclear deterrent.

Sea trials will form a major stage in the programme before the first boat can enter service, allowing the submarine and its systems to be tested at sea following construction and commissioning activity.

The Government has repeatedly stated that the first Dreadnought-class submarine is expected to enter service in the early 2030s, replacing the ageing Vanguard-class boats as they approach the end of their operational lives.