The keel of HMS Dreadnought, the first of the United Kingdom’s new Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines, has been laid at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness. The submarine will succeed the Vanguard Class and is part of the UK’s programme to maintain its Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD).
The ceremonial event was attended by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Secretary of State for Defence John Healey, marking a major milestone in national security and defence efforts.
The Dreadnought Class, designed and built in Cumbria by BAE Systems, will enter service in the early 2030s. CASD will be sustained throughout the transition from Vanguard to Dreadnought.
Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines business, highlighted the progress of the programme, noting that the last major unit of HMS Dreadnought is preparing for integration in the Devonshire Dock Hall. He emphasized the national importance of the programme and its contribution to the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, the Royal Navy, and the broader economy.
Prime Minister Starmer praised the workforce and defence industry, stating the investment supports national and economic security as well as secure employment. He reaffirmed the importance of Barrow and its role in submarine manufacturing.
Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, acknowledged the Royal Navy’s unbroken CASD patrols since 1969 and expressed anticipation for the future operation of the advanced Dreadnought Class submarines.
At 153.6 metres in length, Dreadnought submarines will be the largest ever operated by the Royal Navy. Featuring advanced technologies and modern production techniques, they represent a step change from their predecessors and are part of one of the most complex engineering projects globally.
The Dreadnought Alliance, a partnership between BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and the Submarine Delivery Agency of the Ministry of Defence, oversees the programme.
As part of the Nuclear Skills Plan, the Submarines workforce based in Barrow has grown to 14,700 since 2023, with further expansion planned under both the Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS programmes. The full Dreadnought programme is expected to support around 30,000 jobs across the UK.
Over £1 billion has been invested to redevelop the Barrow shipyard, ensuring long-term capacity and efficiency. BAE Systems plans to spend approximately £7.5 billion with 1,500 suppliers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, distributing the economic benefits of the programme nationwide.