Yesterday, the Royal Navy and BAE Systems announced the start of construction on the first of the new Dreadnought-class nuclear ballistic missile submarines, which will replace the currently serving Vanguard class. The keel-laying ceremony for the first vessel, HMS Dreadnought, was held at the company’s shipyard in Barrow, nearly a decade after the first steel was cut.
According to the official announcement, the event was attended by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey. Representing BAE Systems was Steve Timms, the company’s current Managing Director of Submarines. Notably, as this was not only a major milestone for the Dreadnought program but also a celebration of over 150 years of shipbuilding in Barrow for the Royal Navy, King Charles III was involved by granting the title of “Royal” to the Port of Barrow.
Highlighting some statements made at the event, the British Prime Minister remarked: “It is an honor to be in Barrow to lay the keel of the next generation of nuclear-armed submarines. These vessels will protect our people and our allies from the most extreme threats to our national security and the way of life of future generations (…) The people of Barrow and the submarines built here have been integral to our deterrent capability for decades. We will continue driving innovation and industrial excellence to protect the UK in the decades to come.”
It is worth recalling that the Dreadnought class is scheduled to enter service in the Royal Navy in the early 2030s. This program is a key element in sustaining the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent (CASD), which serves as the country’s sole nuclear capability. CASD relies on American-made Trident II (D5) ballistic missiles deployed aboard Royal Navy submarines, with at least one always on patrol as required by the doctrine.
Expanding on some known details of the Dreadnought class, each submarine will displace approximately 17,000 tons, with a length of 153.6 meters and a beam of 12.8 meters—ample space to accommodate a crew of 130. According to the Royal Navy, this will be the largest and most capable submarine ever operated by the service. The planned fleet of four vessels—HMS Dreadnought, HMS Valiant, HMS Warspite, and HMS King George VI—is expected to have an operational lifespan of more than three decades.
Finally, reviewing some key aspects of the Dreadnought submarine construction, it is important to note that the program will generate around 30,000 jobs across the UK, involving over 1,500 suppliers. In terms of investment, BAE Systems has stated that expected expenditures will exceed £7.5 billion, while around £1 billion has already been invested in upgrading the Barrow shipyard facilities to accommodate the submarines’ construction.
Image credits: Royal Navy, BAE Systems
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