The UK’s nuclear deterrent programme reached one other milestone on Monday as metal was reduce for HMS King George VI, the fourth and closing Dreadnought-class submarine.
The ceremony at BAE Methods in Barrow-in-Furness was led by Defence Secretary John Healey MP, marking the beginning of building on a vessel anticipated to enter service within the early 2030s as a part of the UK’s steady at-sea deterrent.
“Submarine constructing is an important UK business, sustaining 1000’s of jobs and apprenticeships up and down the nation, all whereas persevering with to maintain the nation protected across the clock,” mentioned Healey. “Barrow is an impressive instance of safety and development working hand-in-hand – including a brand new assault submarine to the Royal Navy’s fleet, constructing the following technology of nuclear-armed submarines, and concurrently supporting 1000’s of expert native jobs and apprenticeships.”
The occasion coincided with the commissioning of HMS Agamemnon, the Royal Navy’s latest Astute-class assault submarine, by King Charles III. The King additionally formally conferred the title of Royal Port on Barrow, recognising the city’s position because the hub of UK submarine building.
Chief of Defence Nuclear Madelaine McTernan CB described the slicing of metal as “a big milestone marking optimistic progress on this extraordinary programme.” She added: “Delivering these submarines is a really nationwide endeavour with an unlimited UK provide chain, culminating within the construct on the Royal Port of Barrow.”
As soon as full, the four-boat Dreadnought fleet will change the Vanguard-class submarines that at the moment present the UK’s nuclear deterrent. Designed to hold Trident missiles, they would be the most superior submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.
The Ministry of Defence mentioned Britain’s defence nuclear sector helps over 47,000 jobs nationwide, a determine projected to rise to 65,000 by 2030. Barrow alone now employs greater than 13,500 individuals in submarine work, together with round 1,800 apprentices and 500 graduates coaching at BAE’s Submarines Academy for Abilities and Data.
Charles Woodburn, Chief Government of BAE Methods, mentioned: “It is a proud day for Barrow and everybody concerned within the wider UK submarine enterprise who’re working collaboratively to ship the Dreadnought and Astute class submarines.”