A new Submarine Availability Support Hub (SASH) has officially opened in Bristol, promising to enhance the availability and maintenance of Britain’s nuclear submarine fleet, create 100 new jobs, and support apprenticeships.
The state-of-the-art facility, inaugurated by Defence Minister Maria Eagle on 30th January 2025, is a key component of the government’s efforts to use the defence sector as an engine for growth under its new Defence Industrial Strategy.
The hub will strengthen the Defence Nuclear Enterprise—an alliance between government, Babcock, and other contractors responsible for maintaining the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent. By creating a collaborative environment that integrates technical expertise and cutting-edge digital tools, the hub is expected to speed up decision-making and problem-solving across submarine operations.
“The investment in this new facility is another demonstration of the government’s commitment to making defence an engine for growth,” said Eagle. “This brand-new facility will benefit the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which safeguards our security and bolsters our country’s prosperity.”
This initiative aligns with the government’s Plan for Change, which focuses on strengthening national security while promoting economic growth across the country. The Submarine Delivery Agency’s CEO Sir Chris Gardner KBE highlighted how the hub would support ongoing submarine maintenance at Clyde and Devonport: “The opening of the Submarine Availability Support Hub in Bristol provides a collaborative space that will support submarine availability for the Royal Navy in defence of our nation. It also presents an opportunity to develop future talent by providing placement roles for engineering students.”
The facility adds to the existing 42,000 jobs and 3,000 businesses in the submarine supply chain, reinforcing its contribution to the UK’s defence industry. The SASH will also help coordinate complex submarine maintenance tasks, streamlining content and planning through an integrated naval nuclear business model.
Reads more like a job for the ‘boys’ after all competent people have maintained our nukes at sea 24×7 for decades and when under continuous economic and political stress.
Donald is shopping for allies to build warships, as US just does not have enough capacity any more. He is considering Japan, S Korea, so Bristol could help out. US can not keep up with China’s ship building, he says