Secretary of State for Defence (): I am today informing the
House of HMS Vanguard’s recent Demonstration and Shakedown
Operation.
A Demonstration and Shakedown Operation is a routine operation
which takes place when a ballistic missile submarine completes
its planned deep maintenance period. It involves a comprehensive
series of complex weapons system and sub-system tests, assesses
the performance of the submarine and its crew. It culminates in a
test fire of an unarmed Trident II D5 missile.
It is longstanding practice not to comment on the detail of
submarine operations. However, in recognition of the level of
interest in the recent Demonstration and Shakedown Operation,
this statement seeks to provide as much information as possible
while protecting national security.
On 30 January 2024, HMS Vanguard and her crew conducted their
most recent test operation.
The test reaffirmed the effectiveness of the UK’s nuclear
deterrent, in which the government has absolute confidence. The
submarine and crew were successfully certified and will rejoin
the operational cycle as planned. On this occasion, an anomaly
did occur, but it was event specific and there are no
implications for the reliability of the wider Trident missile
systems and stockpiles. Nor are there any implications for our
ability to fire our nuclear weapons, should the circumstances
arise in which we need to do so.
The Trident missile system remains the most reliable weapons
system in the world, having successfully completed more than 190
tests.
The government has absolute confidence that the UK’s deterrent
remains effective, dependable, and formidable.
That is why we are continuing to invest in the next generation of
Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines, in extending the
life of the Trident missile and replacing the warhead, to keep us
safe for decades to come.
Sustaining the deterrent and renewing it for the future is a
truly national endeavour. It is the culmination of the dedicated
efforts of thousands of people, not just in the Ministry of
Defence but at locations across the country, from the nuclear
laboratories at the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Berkshire to
the BAE Systems dockyards at Barrow-in-Furness.
Our continuous at-sea deterrence posture has been maintained for
nearly 55 years by generations of highly dedicated and
professional submariners. We owe them, and their families, our
thanks for their sacrifices and outstanding service, which is
often out of sight but should never be out of mind.
The nuclear deterrent deters the most extreme threats to our
national security, keeping the UK and our NATO Allies safe. It is
the ultimate security insurance policy.
The UK’s resolve and capability to use its nuclear weapons,
should we ever need to do so, remains beyond doubt.
