Barrow-in-Furness briefly came to a halt last week as a large module for the Royal Navy’s new Dreadnought-class submarine was transported through the town.
The delivery was part of the Dreadnought submarine programme, which will see four new nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines built for the Royal Navy.
These vessels are set to replace the ageing Vanguard-class boats and uphold the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent into the 2060s.
The streets in Barrow were paused last week for a special delivery that is unique to the town.
The unit is part of @SDA_mod‘s Dreadnought submarine programme with 4 boats scheduled to be delivered to the @RoyalNavy by our Submarines business.
🔗 https://t.co/rxgpjVXSlW pic.twitter.com/0BL0PPYkAK
— BAE Systems (@BAESystemsplc) May 30, 2025
BAE Systems, which leads construction of the submarines at its shipyard in Barrow, shared footage of the accommodation module being moved across town. The company described it as “a special delivery that is unique to the town”, a nod to the community’s central role in building the nation’s nuclear deterrent for more than a century.
Each of the Dreadnought-class submarines will be over 153 metres long and represent the most advanced and powerful submarines ever constructed for the Royal Navy. They will be the first class of Royal Navy ballistic missile submarines to be designed with mixed-gender crews in mind, featuring separate accommodation spaces and day-night lighting cycles to support crew wellbeing on extended patrols.
The Dreadnought programme is being delivered by the Dreadnought Alliance – a partnership between BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and the Submarine Delivery Agency. BAE Systems’ Barrow site is at the heart of the project, employing around 11,000 people and undergoing major expansion to support the increased pace of submarine construction.
Work is already well underway on the first two boats in the class – HMS Dreadnought and HMS Valiant – with modules for the remaining two also in production. This is part of a wider investment in Barrow, which includes new assembly halls, digital manufacturing technologies, and a growing apprenticeship and skills pipeline to support long-term submarine output.
Construction of the Dreadnought-class submarines represents the largest defence project currently underway in the UK and one of the most complex engineering efforts in the world. The submarines will carry the Trident nuclear missile system and operate globally, providing a continuous deterrent capability in support of national security.
The successful movement of the latest section is a tangible sign of progress in the programme.
Nice to see proper battleship names for the class
HMS Rodney would be a nice name for a 5th 🤔 If HMG really are serious about increasing UK defence, adding a real reliable backup for NATO and send a very clear signal to Putin then 🙏 for good news when they announce the SDSR.
If they do then someone just tell Putin the true cost of his invading Ukraine, he’s woken Europe up and we have a bigger population, economies and far larger budgets.
It Harold Wilson’s Government in the mid 1960’s had not cancelled the 5th R boat it was due to be called Ramallies.
5th boat won’t happen of course, but I would second Rodney as a good name, then Barrow could subcontract some work to Cammell Laird for old times’ sake…
Already done. This is from Navy Lookout, December 10, 2020. ‘CL will supply 29 non-pressure hull components for each boat, including decks, bulkheads, ballast tanks and the fin structure. They will also make keels for the hull of sufficient strength to support the boat if resting on the seabed.’
Thanks for that, must have missed seeing it. The last sentence is interesting as resting on the seabed is not usually an option due to location of seawater coolant intakes.
Good to know Lairds will benefit from work as I started my working life there and made my miniscule contribution to the building of 2 of the Polaris boats which I will forever remember as Yard Numbers 1316 & 1317.
Yeah, they have also been making sections for the Type 26 and have made parts for the Astute. They are also building a new Mersey Ferry.
A 5th boat is a must really , not least to spread out the build. Just look at the eye watering amounts being spent on LEPs for the vanguards, which are well past their lifespan and have worked hard.
Lesson learned is surely that we need to build 1 SSBN and 2 SSNs every 5 years as a minimum, ideally more SSNs but that is unrealistic unfortunately.
We need to ensure we have enough available at any given point in time and that the whole class is defunct prior to the next in class coming online. Spiral development will also save money in longer run.
Good news?
I predict a few Carrots, and Jam tomorrow alongside cuts that will take place first.
Of course, the Carrots will be part eaten by the time they arrive.
Lots of agile, world leading jargon.
Emphasis on Cyber, AI, and Drones at the expense of conventional platforms.
No increase in personnel.
It may be 100 pages of gibberish, with no real detail till later.
I’ve sat through 7 of the bloody things. They’re not strategic in any shape or form, and hamstrung by what HMT will allow, not what is needed.
Cynical mood, sorry!
Danielle,
Pardon, but the future of ENATO security is more assured currently, than at any point in the last 35 years. The 2025 SDR will be released in due course and will outline a rearmament programme based on a nearly immediate increase in investment to 2.5% of GDP. Further, there is every indication that NATO will imminently adopt a goal of 3.5% of GDP on direct military spending by 2032. An additional 1.5% of GDP will be invested in related military programmes. This infusion of funds will permit a nearly unprecedented investment across the spectrum of ENATO defence programs. ENATO defence deficiencies will be eliminated, or at least significantly reduced, by the 2040s at the latest. At that point, ENATO will be a fully developed porcupine, essentially a peacefully grazing herbivore, which even a ravenous wolfpack of CRINK carnivores will hesitate to attack.
Umm, sorry, meant to address the post as Daniele. My bad. 🙄
Ha! Mate, I was going to say, but I appreciate the correction. Thank you.
I’ll wait till the full details are published.
The UK military has had its mass evaporated over the last 30 years. Once that starts to be reversed, then good.
For all the % they might vow to spend they’re more than capable of spaffing it on programs that deliver little or fill in black holes caused by their own previous incompetence. So far, this government have talked, then talked, lumbered MoD budget with Chagos payments, and cut yet more assets.
Cheers.
Not wanting to be negative, but it will all be smoke and mirrors from the politicians….currently in Australia, Labour are sprouting how they have increased defence spending blah blah blah…. In reality they have cut it, reduced platforms and capabilities and penciled in a small increase in about 10 years time, which in all reality they don’t need to worry about financing as it is still a couple of elections in the future…. Meanwhile the storm clouds grow ever darker…
Agreed
Hi Daniele Yes it’s late but I’m up on Grandpa Duty, he is now asleep and I hand over to his Mum at 3am.
Like you I have sat through numerous SDRs and Bright new initiatives that just hide cuts, cuts and gaps.
I may be wrong but I suspect there may just be more good news than bad and some long overdue culling of sacred cows. For the 1st time in decades there is a stated intention and timescale for increasing defence expenditure to 2.5% and then 3% and NATO is making very loud noises about 3.5%.
You are right there are too many black holes that need filling but I do think we will see a measured uplift in the RN escort fleet, confirmation of MRSS, a statement of the future force levels of SSNs (10) and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we announce an uplift in CASD (5) and possibly Tactical capability.
For the FAA / RAF I think they will finally order a 2nd Tranche of F35B and some more Typhoons, they also need to do something about Trainers and actually figure out “what the hell do the RAF regiment do other than annoy the Army ?”.
As for the Army I have no idea other than the obvious they need more Tanks, Artillery, SHORAD, reserves and probably a new Service Rifle.
Then there is the Elephant in the room which is the missile defence of the UK and how / who controls that one.
And why do I think it may be positive ? Well it’s all down to Politics, next month we have the NATO summit and Trump will not be polite, and if we think he will not notice that we have spent zilch and ordered zilch since 2022 Starmer is dreaming. So if he does a fudge he will be eviscerated by by Trump and look a complete fool.
The other reason is that Westminster is the only ship that leaks internally, and over the last few weeks we have had the NHS, Police, Education and the left of the Labour Party all screaming about needing more money. My conclusion is they know where the money is going elsewhere.
That’s a late shift change mate!
When you mentioned a second F35 purchase you reminded me of the other classic MoD tactic I forgot to mention.
Announcing a second buy, as if its new, which its not, as moneys been allocated and its been announced and re announced for ages, just not officially ordered yet.
If they do this in the SDR as a centre piece and unveil cuts with it, well, its not new, but the cuts will be. They’ll link one as dependent on the other, its been done.
Thank God for Trump, that’s all I’m going to say, my loathing for our politicians is strong.
Millions feel the same.
Hi M8, We’ll talk about timing and leaks 😎 Healey has been talking about improving forces accommodation and took time to do pre empt on Monday. He just said he is confidant we will be at 3% by 2034 ! And to quote him “lessons learnt from the Ukraine include being stronger to deter the threats we face”.
I’ve been watching what’s going on for last 6 months and mulling it I all over, last bit of the puzzle is US Sec of Defence reading the riot act to their far east allies to up spending today.
I think the NATO summit is going to be lot of praise for some, must do better for most and a total bloodbath for Spain, Italy, Belgium and Canada. The simple reasons are Trump has a long term agenda to Pivot East and by playing “Whack a Mole” he reinforces Heskeths hint to Japan to up its Ante. The new reason is that by doing so forcefully, it’s a cheap win win and in his own weird mind counters the TACO label.
For many reasons over the last 3 weeks I have been feeling more confidant that there will be an uplift in some obvious areas and a lot of focus on the future. And if they don’t do some immediate uplifts on Monday then ……. it’s Trump blow torch time and we are buried under his naughty step.
In my own old field there is an opportunity to leverage all the fresh investment and if they act quickly there is an opportunity to increase the CASD without impacting AUKUS and SSN(A) production, but long lead items need ordering PDQ.
In a strange way it be a very smart long term cost saving over the next 30 years so 🤞🏻.
I’ll explain for 30 years the whole DNE has been working on an artificial Snails pace governed solely by Treasury funding schedules and the need to protect capability. Ordering a 5th Dreadnought now would mean the whole industry has to speed up to a more efficient drumbeat governed by an enlarged guaranteed delivery target right now and not have to wait till SSN(A).
On a more immediate defence issue have you ever dealt with Ermine Moths on Apple trees ?
Thanks for that mate!
As said, I’m keeping my powder dry till its announced and delivered, I’ve heard it all before from HMG.
I’m indeed a keen gardener, but not dealt with them! But I do know an expert who might, so I’ll get back to you!
That was a Gordon Brown classic.
Reannouncing previous reannouncements of announcements…
ABCR,
If HMG indeed orders a 5th Dreadnought class SSBN and the requisite additional warheads, it would undoubtedly be viewed by the CRINKs as a signal of a serious intent re UK rearmament. Still believe delivery modalities could and should be diversified for resiliency. Some options would be relatively expeditious yet inexpensive.
Re The Donald, largely agree w/ your analysis. He has a definite agenda which includes enhancing ENATO self-reliance through increased defence investment. Many dangerously underestimate him and fail to grasp that he is a master showman/illusionist, honed in close quarter bureaucratic combat by a career in NYC real estate and media savvy via a television career. When presenting a controversial concept/plan for public consumption/fascination, be assured there is something else of significance occurring in the background that attention is being diverted away from.
Somebody still believes TACO man is playing 4th dimensional chess 😂
The CRINKs like everyone else have seen through his bluster and constant reversals of policy. Which is how Putin has been stringing him along over a ceasefire in Ukraine which everybody outside the White House knows will never happen.
Meanwhile the USA’s former allies now see a nation that might side with Russia or even take military action against them. When you a have a madman with dementia in the White House, you rearm as quickly as possible.
To be honest.. I sadly think even though it’s pretty guaranteed now defence spending will hit 3% by 2029/30 there will be a bit more loss before the reversal.. I think this is inevitable as some of the equipment is just f%cked and many of the people are just to pissed off to stay..
I think we will definitely see the dropping off the cliff of the frigate fleet..that is inevitable due to entropy build into not ordering replacements in 2010.. you know my predictions.. the future loss of 1 or 2 T23 a year until they are all gone by 2030/31… so essentially that will not stabilise until the early 2030s…
I hope that the army situation will stabilise and we at least see the retention of 3 MBT regiments and the armoured infantry… with a slow repair of the CS CSS for a 3rd heavy brigate and the 2 infantry brigades. The issue will be personal loss and that will take some time to stem and reverse.
RFA… Personal wise I think that’s almost terminal at present.. they were asked to essentially become a navy..without the pay and conditions… until they get good pay and simply go back to being military aligned merchant service it’s going to get worse and worse.
Airforce.. the medium rotor situation may get worse before it gets better..should have been ordered a few years ago.. so this will not get better for at least 2-5 years. Personally I think the typhoon situation is an issue and I suspect we will loss a typhoon squadron unless there is an immediate order.
What I find really funny is that Labour are now being really cagy about how much we know that they are going to commit.. because they know apart from a small percentage most of the population are going to be pissed off when they do announce 3% by 2030 ans the 3.5% +1.5% for 2032…
I sort of feel sorry not sorry for our political classes they have told the British public for 30 years that there is no existential threat and that very little was needed for defence and now they need to sell the fact we need to move back to Cold War levels of spending to a public that only want to spend money on winter fuel, pensions, healthcare and social care….and also don’t want to pay taxes
On this side of the Pond, proposing significant changes in entitlement spending is often referred/compared to touching the energized third rail of mass transit systems, and results in the immediate electrocution of the unfortunate soul.
Re RN T-23 OSD dilemma, perhaps MoD will soon have the requisite funding available to expedite deliveries of both T-26 and T-31?
Hi Danielle, there will also be some People stuff like accommodation improvements, better recruiting, better complaints procedure, some bragging about the last pay rise.
All important, but always ignoring the biggest issues that nuclear eats so much of the budget, and that numbers matter.
Never ending cuts since 97 must stop, and I see no commitment to that effect.
How can commitments to 2.5% and t by en 3% of GDP be cuts? 🤦🏻♂️
Hi Spock.
Never ending cuts to conventional assets. People. Planes. Helicopters. Armoured Vehicles. Artillery. Ships. Submarines.
Lets discuss together after this SDR to see which of any of those is increased, I shall be DELIGHTED to discuss where I was wrong.
So far, MoD budget has been lumbered with Chagos, the RFA has been left to rot, and LPDs, Waves, Puma, Watchkeeper were all cut/gapped.
Back in 2007 time frame, Des Browne was Grandstanding about the 7 billion extra for defence, the cuts continued.
Boris Johnson in 2019 was grandstanding about more money for defence, and Hercules, Defender, Islander, Sentinel, Hawk, Tornado GR4, Sentry were all cut or gapped.
More money does not mean stopping cuts, HMG prioritise industry and jobs re MoD budget, not conventional mass increases.
Increased funding can vanish into a multitude of things without improvements in mass. The MoD seem masters at making money vanish.
1/ A % of GDP, GDP can drop.
2/ Such statements do not take account of inflation, or currency pound/dollar changes.
3/ Neither do they ever detail the DNE which swallows a huge amount of the money, and which always drains more money.
4/ They hide behind such statements while not admitting what goes on conventional spend, which is the main gripe here and amongst all defence commentators. I read it was around 1.4 or was it 1.6% in reality.
The “defence” budget has pensions, and intell aspects put in it since Osborne, and recently Starmer wanted other intelligence spend added.
5/ Extra money can vanish into all of those, plus the 1.5 billion on housing, 1.5 billion on munitions, so many billions on AI and cyber, and the targeting web or whatever it was called, and billions needed towards filling the so many billion pounds black holes of unfunded equipment commitments.
Just to stand still, as defence inflation rises.
Not one of which starts to increase the mass and fill the endless capability gaps, or replace equipment leaving service, or being “retired” as HMG spin likes to call it.
6/ 3% does not yet exist for the next 9 years. A “commitment” from HMG regards defence spending in 9 years time re the 3 % is worth absolutely nothing, as are the words of most politicians, as it may be a different government. No different to Sunak pledging the moon when he knew he’d be out of power and Dr Fox in 2009 saying, while in opposition “lets give the forces what they need.”
These are soundbites to make headlines as part of the never ending political grandstanding. Labour have done plenty of it lately.
7/ Pledges of 2.5 or 3% does not automatically follow that conventional forces will increase, they might still drop more.
Which is why I stated that cuts musty stop.
Labour’s record to this point in time has been in the negative re kit and numbers. Until Trump threw his toys out the bath they had no intention to go beyond 2.3%, which they stated many times.
We shall see and discuss post SDR! If they ever actually publish proper equipment plans and Wavell gets published. They vowed “transparency” and so far an even greater veil of fog has descended on defence, by design.
Hi Mate Sussed the Ermine Moth issue, I applied Asymmetric warfare technics. I got the winter bird feeders out and instead of sticking them in the Blackthorn Trees (keeps the cats off) I filled them up stuck them in the Apple Trees. Finches, Robins Sparrows and Starlings just eat the caterpillars whilst waiting to feed.
Re the DNE yes the cost at present is overwhelming but it will decrease, simple reason is our Numpty Politicians waited and instead of a long term phased upgrade / replacement programme just ignored it for 3 decades (in some cases 6 decades).
So the whole lot has to be sorted at the same time, so all of Barrow, Derby, SFM, Aldermaston, Capenhurst, etc etc etc in one massive dollop.
Hi mate.
Damn, I’m so sorry, forgot to ask my gardening chum about your issue.
I don’t think Rodney would be a good name, Dave would be more appropriate
Saw a great painting of Admiral Hood today at Greenwich, such a shame we are unlikely to ever see that eminent name used again.
I prefer Rodney as she avenged the Hood !
I suspect that there is a thinking that the strategic deterrent does need to be increased.. I also suspect there is thinking it will need separate a sub strategic element ( not tactical) just like France has, that does not expose the submarine based strategic deterrent ( I think the new 2000km+ missile essentially flags this up).. as for a 5th submarine, the Europe really needs a 400+ MAD deterrent.. essentially the UK needs to be able to surge up to 140 -200 warheads via deployed submarines as its part.. so 5 submarines would work.. but will it delay the new SSN build, especially if they want to move it to 10.
Hi Jonathan, Adding a fifth Dreadnought right now would be a really smart move as it leverages directly on a hot supply chain (including the US bits), there would have to be a discussion with the US about a mod to the arrangements and an uplift in warhead numbers.
As for slowing the succeeding SSN(A) it could actually speed it up and reduce the overall costs, which may sound strange but it’s just down to maximising on the massive investment that’s ongoing at present.
By ordering a 5th boat but mitigating ant impact on the SSN(A) project the entire DNE would need to speed up, which TBH it’s going to have to do anyway so it essentially kick starts that process 5 / 6 years early.
At present production is stuck in low gear governed by the staged payments of the funds by HMG, order a 5th boat it would need to move to build to maximum efficiency schedule and payments have to be on that demand fed.
That’s interesting it would be a serious kick to Russia that the UK is seriously not going to back away.. 5 modern boats means you can have 2 out almost all the time and possibly surge 3
There would need to be a warhead build as you would need 4 full war loads so 4 x12 tridents and 4x 72 warheads.. ( assuming they would go to 6 warheads with penetration aids ) But essentially the Uk would have a 144 to 216 deterrent which is MAD level.
That’s a StarGate surely ?
Fantastic sight, let’s hope all goes well and we get to see less issues than the A boats.
I have a sinking feeling.
Why are the Uk now so incapable of building ships complete in one shipyard now
Because Industrial Strategy is a thing.
Because the gap in the skills sets required is now so extreme it makes complete sense to move it to another site (see Italy for the extreme). And besides which we got rid of all the larger integrated yards and built on them.
Well they may be the most advanced but NOT the most powerful. They only have 12 missile tubes compared to 16 on Vanguard. A reduction of 4.
It’s sort of irrelevant to be honest.. each trident can carry up to 12 warheads.. so 12 tubes gives you up to 144 warheads per boat if you have 3 warloads that is almost double the number of warheads than the UK has in its arsenal…