Britain will build up to 12 new nuclear -powered submarines Sir Keir Stormer will advertise as he reveals his highly expected defense review.
In an attempt to “ensure that the United Kingdom rises to the challenge” by growing global security threats, the prime minister will say that the 130-page review is a “radical plan” signaling a “wave of investment” in military infrastructure and weapons.
An extra £ 15 billion Will be spent on new nuclear war heads for Britain’s nuclear deterrent.
The plans will increase Britain’s conventionally armed, nuclear -powered submarine fleet significantly with the new ships built under a joint agreement with the US and Australia, known as Aukus Partnership.
Here’s all you need to know about Britain’s fleet of nuclear-deterrent submarines and the proposed plans for its future:
How many submarines does the Royal Navy currently have?
The Royal Navy is currently operating nine submarines, including five sharp class conventionally armed nuclear driven attack ships. The sharp class is Britain’s largest and most advanced submarines.
The remaining four are the Vanguard-Class Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN), which bears the UK’s Trident Nuclear Missile System.
A new group, the Dreadnought class, is introduced in the early 2030s. These will be both nuclear -powered and ballistic missile.
How many submarines will the UK have in the future?
Two additional sharp-class submarines, HMS Agamemnon and HMS Agincourt, are set to enter into service in 2025 and end of 2026 respectively.
Agamemnon is currently going through trials with the Royal Navy as part of a test and commissioning program while Agincourt remains under construction.
As part of the joint defense agreement between the United States, Australia and Britain – known as Aukus – the United Kingdom is set to increase its fleet of submarines significantly after the defense review.
An extra 12 submarines would bring Britain’s fleet up to more than 20 in total. This remains far less than the United States fleet of 71, and China and Russia’s fleets of 66 each.
How powerful are Britain’s submarines?
The Astute Class is the latest class of Nuclear-Powered Attack submarines and is constructed by BAE Systems Submarines.
Submarines in this class can fit dozens of weapons – up to 38 – and are armed with Tomahawk IV cruise missiles, which can turn targets at a number of well over 1,600 km away.
But Britain’s nuclear deterrent is found in the four Banguard class boats using the Trident Missile system. Each boat can carry up to 16 Trident missiles, each of which can carry up to 12 nuclear battle head.
The Dreadnought class will be both nuclear-powered and ballistic missile.
Where are they held?
The Royal Navy Submarine Service Base can be found in Hmnb Clyde, in Scotland, known by Navy staff as Faslane. It is 25 miles west of Glasgow and is found from Firth of Clyde.
The base is one of Scotland’s largest employers employing more than 6,000 military and civilian staff.
Based in a relatively secluded area, the base lies among deep waters with quick access to submarine patrol areas in the northern Atlantic.
What are they used for today?
One of the most important roles of the submarines is to act as Britain’s nuclear deterrent.
“Our submarines – Britain’s strategic nuclear deterrent – are continuously in operation: patrols the world’s oceans that are undiscovered, ready to strike at all times,” is the Royal Navy Web site reads operation: Patroling the world’s oceans ready to strike at all times.
“Their presence alone sends the most powerful message to anyone who would hurt us,” it adds.
With the sharp class of ‘Attack’ or ‘Hunter-Killer’ submarines, Royal Navy can attack surface vessels, other submarines and target hundreds of miles inland.