US ally advances 18,900-ton nuclear missile-carrying submarine with new contract

BAE Systems has been awarded a multi-billion-dollar contract from Britain for the country’s next-generation Dreadnought-class nuclear-armed submarines. The latest $7.91 billion (£5.9 billion) investment in the Dreadnought project was announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who visited the BAE Systems facility in Barrow with Defense Secretary Wes Streeting. BAE Systems is already working on the Dreadnought-class submarines; the latest cash flow will help BAE Systems reach three major goals in the submarine program. The first is completion of the first vessel in the class, the HMS Dreadnough’s sea trials and its entry into service. It will also help in the completion of the second boat, HMS Valiant, and its sea trials. Moreover, it will also be directed towards fabrication and outfitting of the third and fourth boats, HMS Warspite and King George VI. HMS Dreadnought is being built at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness and is slated to be delivered to the Royal Navy in the 2030s. What are the Dreadnought-class nuclear submarines? The Dreadnought-class submarine program comprises four boats which will replace the existing Vanguard fleet. The Vanguard fleet vessels are responsible for the UK’s critical Continuous at Sea Deterrent capability. The four Vanguard-class submarines carry the Trident II D5 ballistic missiles equipped with nuclear warheads. These missiles can be fired at targets up to 4,000 miles away. The first Vanguard-class vessel was commissioned in 1993, and the last in 1999. This means almost all vessels will have spent over 30 years in service at the end of 2030. The Dreadnought-class submarines being built to replace them will have a displacement of 17,200 tonnes (18,959 US tons). The vessels will have a length of 503 feet (153.6 meters) and a maximum speed of 20 knots (23 mph). Each vessel will be able to carry 12 Trident II D5 missiles for nuclear deterrence, alongside torpedoes for anti-ship missions. Propulsion, stealth and other features of the vessels The new submarines will be powered by a Rolls-Royce nuclear propulsion system known as Pressurized Water Reactor 3 (PWR3). The nuclear-powered propulsion gives them an unlimited range, a longer service life and reduced maintenance costs over the lifecycle of the boats. The new vessels will be the first to get X-rudders, which will sit in front of the Pumpjet propulsor. The X-rudders will reduce the noise created by the submarine and allow it to operate with a better degree of stealth. The new vessel can accommodate a crew of almost 130 members, and it also features separate facilities for female crew members. The keel for the first vessel was laid in March 2025, and it was touted to be one of the most advanced boats of its kind in service anywhere. “Our nuclear-armed submarines are essential to keeping the UK secure, acting as the ultimate deterrent to our adversaries in an increasingly dangerous world. This milestone investment breathes new life into Barrow’s historic traditions and secures our commitment to deliver Dreadnought Class submarines by backing British industry,” said Wes Streeting, the Secretary of State for Defense. Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Abhishek brings a wealth of experience in covering diverse stories across different beats. Having contributed to renowned wire agencies and Indian media outlets like ANI and NDTV, he is keenly interested in Tech, Business and Defense coverage.