The first steel has been cut at BAE Systems works in Barrow-in-Furness for the third Dreadnought-class strategic missile submarine which will carry the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
The Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines are designed and built by BAE Systems and are due to enter service in the early 2030s, replacing the Royal Navy’s Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines.
Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said:
“Today’s milestone is a really significant moment for the thousands of employees here at BAE Systems and across the submarines enterprise who are working together to deliver the Dreadnought Class.
“We are immensely proud of the role we play in delivering this truly national endeavour for the Royal Navy and our contribution to protecting national security.”
Defence Procurement Minister Alex Chalk KC MP, said:
“Our nuclear deterrent protects every UK citizen from the most extreme threats, every minute of every day and progress on the Dreadnought Class is crucial to maintaining our national security.
“This milestone is a significant step forward in the Dreadnought programme, supporting thousands of jobs and apprenticeships across the country and protecting the UK and our allies for decades to come.”
