- Steel has been cut on third submarine in future nuclear
deterrent programme.
- Supporting tens of thousands of jobs and apprenticeships in
north-west England and across the UK.
- Continued momentum on one of the UK’s largest defence
programmes.
A significant milestone has been reached in the build programme
for the Dreadnought ballistic missile submarine programme.
In a ceremony today, the steel has been cut on Warspite, the
third of four new Dreadnought Class submarines, currently in
build at BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness site.
Supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the UK, with 13,500
in the north-west of England specifically, this manufacturing
milestone marks significant progress in one of the most complex
engineering projects ever undertaken in the UK.
With 605 apprentices and 126 graduates also currently based in
Barrow-in-Furness, the Dreadnought programme brings huge benefits
to the BAE Systems’ Submarines Academy for Skills and Knowledge,
training the next generation of high-skilled engineers to build
and maintain the UK’s submarine capability into the future.
Defence Procurement Minister, KC, 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.
Comprising four new ballistic nuclear submarines, Dreadnought,
Valiant, Warspite and King George VI, the Dreadnought Class will
replace the Vanguard Class fleet.
Work will now continue on Warspite, alongside the first two boats
- Dreadnought and Valiant - incorporating some of the most
advanced systems ever built and using world-leading technology to
deliver an effective and intensely formidable capability.
Rear Admiral Donald Doull, Senior Responsible Officer,
Dreadnought, said:
Today is an important step in the ongoing delivery of the
Continuous at Sea Deterrent. It is a key milestone for the
Programme’s mission to replace the current Vanguard Class
submarines with four Dreadnought Class submarines, enabling their
successful entry into service.
Successful delivery of the Dreadnought Programme is a challenge
that will take the determined effort of everybody with a
responsibility for supporting the Programme – getting to this
milestone is a huge achievement, which reflects the personal and
collective commitment of all concerned.
With each submarine approximately 153.6 metres – around the
length of three Olympic swimming pools - each boat will also
boast 26.4 miles of pipework and more than 20,000 cables
stretching 215 miles – further than travelling between London and
Leeds.
The Dreadnought submarines, which will start to enter service
from the early 2030s, will protect not only our own vital
interests but also those of our closest allies against the most
extreme threats to our national security and way of life.
Managing Director, BAE Systems Submarines, Steve Timms
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.
