UK begins construction of new type of nuclear submarine

The UK Royal Navy has begun construction of a new nuclear-powered submarine, the HMS Dreadnought, capable of carrying nuclear weapons to strengthen the country's nuclear deterrence, Report informs via The National Interest.

With a displacement of more than 17,000 tonnes, a length of over 500 feet—roughly one-and-a-half football fields—and a crew of around 130, the Royal Navy’s new subs will be enormous. The class will also incorporate new technology, such as adaptive lighting that will simulate day and night conditions on board. The Royal Navy plans on buying four subs of the type.

With regard to weapons, the HMS Dreadnought and its sister ships are expected to be armed with four 533 mm heavy torpedo tubes and 12 ballistic missile launch tubes for the Lockheed Trident II D5 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile. Crucially, these missiles will be nuclear-capable.

“This keel laying ceremony is considered the ‘birth’ of a vessel, and I congratulate all those involved across the Alliance for reaching this important milestone in the life of HMS Dreadnought and look forward to bringing this exciting and highly capable submarine into service,” First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key said during the ceremony.

The new class of nuclear-powered submarines will replace the existing Vanguard class.

“Whilst the Vanguard Class of submarines continues to deliver our Continuous At-Sea Deterrent today, the Royal Navy is greatly looking forward to operating highly sophisticated and advanced Dreadnought Class submarines,” Key added.

The Royal Navy plans to operate the four new submarines for at least 30 years. Their mission as the maritime arm of the UK’s nuclear deterrence will be one of the most important. In the event of a nuclear conflict, it will be up to these submarines to respond.