Dreadnought-class submarine

Dreadnought-class submarine
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Name	Dreadnought-class submarine
Builders	Barrow-in-Furness
Operators	Royal Navy
Class before	Trafalgar-class submarine
Class after	Astute-class submarine
In commission	2010–present
Type	Ballistic missile submarine

Dreadnought-class submarine. The Dreadnought-class is the future replacement for the Vanguard-class submarine as the United Kingdom's nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) force. These vessels form the sea-based component of the nation's continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, a policy maintained since 1969. The programme represents one of the most complex and expensive defence projects ever undertaken by the Ministry of Defence.

Development and design

The development of the Dreadnought-class, initially known as the **Successor programme**, was initiated to replace the aging Vanguard-class boats. A key parliamentary milestone was reached in 2007 when the House of Commons voted to support the concept of renewing the Trident nuclear deterrent. The detailed design phase was subsequently approved by the British government in 2011. The class design incorporates significant technological advancements derived from the Astute-class attack submarines, including improved pressurised water reactor technology and next-generation sonar suites. International cooperation has been a feature, with the United States Navy providing support on aspects of the Trident II D5 missile integration, a system also used by the Ohio-class submarine.

Construction and specifications

Construction of the lead boat, HMS *Dreadnought*, began at the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard operated by BAE Systems Submarines in 2016. The class is notably larger than the preceding Vanguard-class, with an estimated length of approximately 153 metres and a submerged displacement of around 17,200 tonnes. Each submarine will be powered by a Rolls-Royce PWR3 nuclear reactor, which requires no refuelling throughout the boat's planned service life. The primary armament consists of 12 Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles, housed in missile tubes located aft of the sail. The vessels also feature a Common Missile Compartment, a design developed in conjunction with the United States for its Columbia-class.

Service history

The Royal Navy plans for HMS *Dreadnought* to enter service in the early 2030s, following extensive sea trials. The class is intended to maintain the Continuous At-Sea Deterrent (CASD), with at least one submarine always on patrol. This operational posture has been a cornerstone of UK defence policy since the introduction of the Resolution-class in the 1960s. The in-service date has been subject to schedule pressures, influenced by the complexities of the design and the impact of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon becoming operational, the Dreadnought-class will assume the strategic deterrent role from the Vanguard-class, which will then be decommissioned.

Boats in class

The class is planned to consist of four submarines, with two currently under construction. * HMS *Dreadnought* (S122): The lead boat of the class, laid down in 2016. * HMS *Valiant* (S123): The second boat, with construction commencing in 2019. * HMS *Warspite* (S124): The third planned boat, named after the historic battleship. * HMS *King George VI* (S125): The fourth and final planned boat of the class.

See also

* Vanguard-class submarine * Astute-class submarine * Trident (UK nuclear programme) * Nuclear weapons and the United Kingdom * Continuous At-Sea Deterrent

Category:Submarine classes Category:Royal Navy submarine classes Category:Ballistic missile submarines