BAE Systems Lays Keel of UK Navy’s Lead Dreadnought Nuclear Submarine

BAE Systems has laid the keel of the UK Royal Navy’s first Dreadnought-class nuclear submarine in Barrow-in-Furness, England.

The ceremony marked the official construction of the vessel, almost 10 years after its steel was cut due to scheduling adjustments in the program’s shipyard and nuclear reactor facilities, as well as the development of other next-generation British submarines.

After the projected commissioning date in the 2030s, the HMS Dreadnought and its sister ships will take on the roles of the navy’s Vanguard-class systems, which have been operational since the 1980s.

“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,” Royal Navy First Sea Lord Admr. Sir Ben Key remarked at the event.

“Whilst the Vanguard Class of submarines continues to deliver our Continuous At-Sea Deterrent today, the Royal Navy is greatly looking forward to operating highly sophisticated and advanced Dreadnought Class submarines.”

Largest British Submarine

The UK’s Dreadnought-class platform is the biggest submarine designed for the Royal Navy to date.

It measures 154 meters (505 feet) long and has accommodations for up to 130 personnel.

The vessel is equipped with a Rolls-Royce Pressurised Water Reactor 3 reactor, two geared steam turbines, and a propellor shaft.

It will have a speed of 20 knots (37 kilometers/23 miles per hour) on the surface, 28 knots (52 kilometers/32 miles per hour) underwater, and a range only limited by the crew’s food and mechanical equipment supply.

Once active, the submarine will be armed with Spearhead 533-millimeter heavy torpedoes and Lockheed Martin UGM-133A Trident II ballistic missiles.