Non-Subscriber Extract
UK details renewal plan for nuclear deterrent
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| 05 December 2006 |
By Richard Scott Jane's Naval Consultant
London
The UK deterrent is currently vested in a force of four 16,000-ton displacement Vanguard-class SSBNs, each armed with up to 16 Trident D5 missiles and up to 48 warheads.
Having examined a number of alternative replacement options - including nuclear-tipped cruise missiles fired from non-penetrating strike aircraft, a land-based (silo launch) system and a surface ship-launched Trident option - the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has concluded in a White Paper on the future of the UK's strategic deterrent that a submarine-based system "offers the most practical and effective means of meeting our future nuclear deterrence requirements".
However, on the basis that it will take about 17 years between the commencement of detailed concept work and the start of a first operational patrol, "detailed concept work on renewal of our deterrent system needs to start in 2007 if we are to avoid a gap in deterrence at the end of the life of the Vanguard-class submarines”, the White Paper stated. A first new submarine needs to be operational by the time HMS Victorious retires in 2024.
MoD sources told Jane's that an Initial Gate decision for a successor submarine is planned for November 2007.
The second strand of the deterrent renewal programme would see the UK becoming part of the US Trident D5 life-extension programme, which is designed to prolong the life of the Trident system out to 2042 to match the projected lifespan of the US Navy's 14 Ohio-class SSBNs.
UK participation is expected to cost GBP250 million (USD494 million).
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© 2006 Jane's Information Group
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