The UK has taken a major step in the renewal of its nuclear deterrent with the ceremonial keel-laying of HMS Dreadnought, the first of four next-generation ballistic missile submarines, at BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness shipyard.
The event, attended by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey, marks a significant milestone in the £31 billion Dreadnought-class programme, which will replace the aging Vanguard-class submarines and continue the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) into the 2060s.
At 153.6 metres long, the Dreadnought-class will be the largest submarines ever built for the Royal Navy, incorporating advanced stealth technology and state-of-the-art nuclear propulsion. The first submarine is expected to enter service in the early 2030s, ensuring that CASD—the UK’s policy of maintaining at least one nuclear-armed submarine on patrol at all times—remains uninterrupted during the transition from Vanguard to Dreadnought.
Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord, hailed the milestone, saying that the Royal Navy is preparing to operate one of the most sophisticated submarine classes ever designed, building on the legacy of over 50 years of continuous deterrent patrols.
The Dreadnought programme is not just a strategic defence project but also a significant investment in the UK’s defence industry. The submarine-building workforce in Barrow has expanded by 3,000 people since 2023, reaching 14,700 workers—a number expected to grow as the SSN-AUKUS attack submarine programme ramps up.
BAE Systems has also highlighted the economic benefits of the programme, estimating that £7.5 billion will be spent with 1,500 suppliers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Barrow shipyard itself has received over £1 billion in investment to modernise facilities and improve production efficiency.
Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines division, described the Dreadnought programme as a “truly national endeavour”, playing a crucial role in both national security and the UK economy.
During the keel-laying ceremony, Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed his government’s commitment to nuclear deterrence and defence spending, calling Barrow a “blueprint for how defence investment can drive economic growth”.
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May the UK have the greatest success with their Submarine Programs. The UK MOD and Parliament have steadfastly refused to adequately fund a decent Carrier program for the UKRN so that makes the UK Submarine Force all the more critical.
Can you elaborate on your carrier comment, in what way do you mean by describing our carriers as not being ‘decent’? Are you referring to the air wings or something in the carriers themselves?
I’d guess it would be the lack of Jets,their poor range and loadout,lack of escorts and support ships.
Apart from that everything is 👌🏻
As the new Dreadnought class SSBN is going too be the largest submarines built by the UK .The next step is building Berths big enough for them .,a whole new infrastructure will have too become necessary for their size width as well as length and depth . Better get that all dealt with before the first is launched.
Just hoping that our adversaries don’t invade AUKUS countries or UK during the ‘building period’ of these subs, especially as much of the complex technology is new and unproven. We need a Plan B as a back up, not to replace.
You do realise we will still have a deterrent at sea while the new ones are being built don’t you?
And you do realise their designed lifespan Haa been exceeded by a fair margin, right?
Tories should have got this kicked off years ago. Arguably, Labour should have initiated it.
Can the UK operate and maintain the missiles independently of the US?
Operate yes..maintain no.
Dr Mark Felton is your friend. He’s just uploaded a YouTube on this very subject two days ago.
Brilliant channel mate.
I see as part of this day out Starmer and Healey were on a bomber, suits off, looking serious.
A bomber falling to bits, people overworked, and an asset many of their party, possibly including themselves, were happy to scrap not long ago.
It is like a parody, they fall over themselves to show how serous they are about CASD.
Go to Coningsby, Starmer. Go to Devonport, virtually empty as the ships are all gone. Or go and learn about the Army for a week, an Army you’re so eager to deploy in your Grandstanding that can barely keep a Brigade in the field. I say this as he’s now saying a Ukrainian commitment won’t involve drawing down from any other commitments!
The guys either delusional, ignorant of reality, or not being told the truth by the Army with the endless “Can do” attitude.
All I want to hear from these people is. “The cuts went to far. We will start to reverse them. But it will take time.”
Then, I can respect that.
Till then it’s all display, he might end up in combats like Putin next.
I assume these are being built with a future home-grown delivery vehicle in mind?
I think it’s clear to see by now, that the US isn’t a credible ally. The withdrawal of nuclear support is as much on the table as anything else, as far as Trump and his likely successor is concerned.
As difficult as it may seem – it’s necessary.