Keel Laid On UK’s First Dreadnought-Class Ballistic Missile Submarine
The keel of HMS Dreadnought was laid in a 20 March ceremony at BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness shipyard, marking the customary start of construction for the first of the United Kingdom’s next generation of ballistic missile submarine.
HMS Dreadnought is the first of four currently planned submarines of its class. The Dreadnought-class will replace the current Vanguard-class submarines as the provider of the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent from the 2030s, with the 153.6 meters long submarines set to be the largest submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.
In his speech at the ceremony, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the keel laying was “nothing less than the renewal of a historic national endeavour”. “After 55 years of our continuous-at-sea deterrent, this vessel will take that effort beyond a hundred years”.
“Investing in the British defence industry, underpinned by companies like BAE Systems, is at the heart of my government’s commitment to national and economic security as part of our Plan for Change. This investment is supporting good, secure jobs and putting money in the pockets of working people.
The people of Barrow, and the submarines manufactured here, have been an integral part of our deterrent capability for decades. We will continue to foster that innovation and industrial excellence to protect the UK for the decades to come.”
Starmer disclosed at the ceremony that he had boarded a Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarine during its return from patrol a “few” days before, personally thanking its crew and joining the debriefing for its deployment. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the visit was the first “Day Zero” visit made by a prime minister since 2013.
The Prime Minister also announced that King Charles III had conferred the title of “Royal” to the Port of Barrow for its role in “decades” of “dedication to the security of our nation”, with King Charles III to make an official visit later in 2025 to mark the honor.
Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said: “Laying the keel for the first of class, HMS Dreadnought, is an incredibly proud moment for everyone across the Company, Defence Nuclear Enterprise and Royal Navy. It comes as the boat’s last major unit prepares to make its way into the Devonshire Dock Hall for final integration, demonstrating the progress made across the programme to date.
“Our collective role in maintaining Continuous at Sea Deterrence is our most critical responsibility. It’s a truly national endeavour vital to safeguarding our way of life, as well as making a significant contribution to local and national prosperity. I’m proud that thousands of our highly-skilled people are at the heart of today’s achievement.”