The keel for the first of the Royal Navy’s new Dreadnought-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), which represent the most powerful and technologically sophisticated platforms ever created for the Royal Navy, has been laid at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness.
HMS Dreadnought is the inaugural vessel of the four Dreadnought-class SSBNs being designed and constructed by BAE Systems in Cumbria, and which are intended to replace the Vanguard-class submarines currently in service.
The event, which was attended by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, represented a crucial milestone in the initiative to uphold the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) and safeguard national security. The Dreadnought-class submarines are set to commence service in the early 2030s, ensuring that CASD remains operational during the transition from the Vanguard to the Dreadnought-class.
Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said: “Laying the keel for the first of class, HMS Dreadnought, is an incredibly proud moment for everyone across the Company, Defence Nuclear Enterprise and Royal Navy. It comes as the boat’s last major unit prepares to make its way into the Devonshire Dock Hall for final integration, demonstrating the progress made across the programme to date.”
“Our collective role in maintaining Continuous at Sea Deterrence is our most critical responsibility. It’s a truly national endeavour vital to safeguarding our way of life, as well as making a significant contribution to local and national prosperity. I’m proud that thousands of our highly-skilled people are at the heart of today’s achievement.”
The Dreadnought-class will be the largest submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy, measuring 153.6 meters in length. Advances in technology, evolving threats, and innovative design and production techniques signify that these new submarines will mark a substantial improvement over their predecessors.
Like the Vanguard-class submarines that they will be replacing, Dreadnought-class submarines will be capable of launching Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
The new submarines will each have three missile compartments, and each compartment will comprise of four missile tubes (known as a ‘Quad Pack’) and five deck levels, for a total of 12 missiles. The Dreadnought-class submarines will also feature four 533mm torpedo tubes for Spearfish heavyweight medium-range torpedoes.
The Dreadnought-class submarines will utilize a Rolls-Royce nuclear propulsion system referred to as Pressurised Water Reactor 3 (PWR3). The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) evaluated three PWR alternatives, one of which was the PWR2 system employed in the Vanguard Class submarines. However, the innovative design of the PWR3 incorporates advanced technology that provides significant advantages, including streamlined operations, an extended service lifespan, and lower maintenance expenses throughout the operational life of the submarines.
They will also be the first British submarines to be equipped with X-rudders. Unlike earlier submarines that relied on conventional rudders due to their operational speeds and depths, advancements in control and safety have made the use of X-form rudders feasible. These innovative rudders will be positioned in front of the most advanced Pumpjet propulsor available. This design aims to minimize the submarines’ noise levels, especially during high-speed manoeuvres. Notably, the Pumpjet utilized in the Dreadnought-class is the quietest to date.
Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, said: “Since April 1969, Royal Navy submariners have been proud to deliver the Continuous at Sea Deterrent, maintaining at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine on patrol, ready to respond to the most extreme threats to the UK.”
“Whilst the Vanguard Class of submarines continues to deliver CASD today, the Royal Navy is greatly looking forward to operating highly sophisticated and advanced Dreadnought Class submarines. 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.”
The Dreadnought Alliance, a collaboration among BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and the UK MODs Submarine Delivery Agency, oversees the development of the UK’s forthcoming nuclear deterrent platform. In line with the UK Government’s Nuclear Skills Plan initiative, the workforce dedicated to submarines, primarily based in Barrow, has expanded by over 3,000 since 2023, reaching a total of 14,700. This growth is expected to persist as the Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS programmes progress.
The Dreadnought programme is anticipated to generate approximately 30,000 jobs throughout the UK during its duration. The Barrow shipyard has seen over GBP 1 billion invested in redevelopment efforts aimed at enhancing efficiency and increasing capacity to support the construction of Dreadnought. This investment ensures that the historic shipyard will continue to produce top-tier submarines for the Royal Navy for many years ahead.
BAE Systems projects an expenditure of around GBP 7.5 billion with 1,500 suppliers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, thereby ensuring that the programme’s economic benefits are experienced throughout the entire UK.
Prime Minister, Keir Starmer said: “It’s an honour to be in Barrow to lay the keel for the next generation of nuclear-armed submarines. These boats will protect our people and Allies from the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life for future generations.”
“Investing in the British defence industry, underpinned by companies like BAE Systems, is at the heart of my government’s commitment to national and economic security as part of our Plan for Change. This investment is supporting good, secure jobs and putting money in the pockets of working people.”
“The people of Barrow, and the submarines manufactured here, have been an integral part of our deterrent capability for decades. We will continue to foster that innovation and industrial excellence to protect the UK for the decades to come.”
