The keel for the first of the UK’s new Dreadnought submarines has been laid at BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness shipyard. HMS Dreadnought, the first of four Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines, is set to replace the Vanguard Class submarines currently in service with the Royal Navy.
The ceremonial event was attended by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Secretary of State for Defence John Healey. It marked a key milestone in the UK’s effort to maintain its Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD), a vital part of national security. The Dreadnought Class submarines are expected to enter service in the early 2030s, ensuring that CASD is upheld throughout the transition from the Vanguard to the Dreadnought Class.
Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines division, expressed pride in the achievement. He highlighted the progress of the program, noting that the boat’s final major unit is set to enter the Devonshire Dock Hall for integration. Timms emphasized the importance of maintaining Continuous at Sea Deterrence as a national responsibility and the contribution of the thousands of skilled workers involved in the project.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the laying of the keel as an honor, stressing the importance of the Dreadnought submarines in protecting the UK and its allies from extreme threats. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the British defense industry, creating secure jobs, and contributing to national security. Starmer also acknowledged Barrow’s role in the country’s deterrent capability and affirmed the continuation of the region’s innovation and industrial excellence.
Admiral Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, reflected on the Royal Navy’s proud history of maintaining CASD since 1969. He noted that while the Vanguard Class continues to deliver CASD, the Dreadnought Class will bring advanced capabilities to the Navy. He praised the keel laying ceremony as a significant moment in the vessel’s development.
The Dreadnought submarines will be the largest ever operated by the Royal Navy, measuring 153.6 meters in length—about the size of three Olympic swimming pools. They will incorporate technological advances and new design methods, making them a major leap forward compared to their predecessors. The Dreadnought Class is one of the largest and most complex engineering projects globally.
The Dreadnought Alliance, a partnership between BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and the Ministry of Defence’s Submarine Delivery Agency, oversees the delivery of the UK’s next nuclear deterrent platform. The workforce in Barrow has grown significantly, with an increase of over 3,000 workers since 2023, reaching a total of 14,700. This growth is expected to continue as both the Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS programs advance.
The overall Dreadnought program is set to support around 30,000 jobs across the UK during its lifespan. The Barrow shipyard has received more than £1 billion in redevelopment to improve efficiencies and increase capacity for the Dreadnought build. BAE Systems also expects to spend around £7.5 billion with 1,500 suppliers across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, ensuring that the program has a significant economic impact throughout the country.
