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Defence Secretary announces £2.5 billion investment in nuclear submarines

Maritime May 15, 2018

The Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, has announced an investment of £2.5 billion in the UK’s nuclear submarine programme.

The plans will see an Astute hunter-killer submarine built costing £1.5bn, with £960m being spent on completing a fleet of four nuclear-armed Dreadnought submarines to replace the four Vanguard submarines that make up the UK’s nuclear fleet.

The Ministry of Defence say the investment will help support thousands of jobs in BAE Systems’ submarine operations.

Mr Williamson made the announcement at the company’s shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness as he officially opened a new £100 million sub-construction building at the factory. The facility will be used to build and test the new Dreadnought submarines.

The Defence Secretary, said: “This multibillion-pound investment in our nuclear submarines shows our unwavering commitment to keeping the UK safe and secure from intensifying threats.

“Agincourt will complete the Royal Navy’s seven-strong fleet of hunter-killer attack subs, the most powerful to ever enter British service, whilst our nuclear deterrent is the ultimate defence against the most extreme dangers we could possibly face.

“Not only is this a massive boost for our armed forces, but it’s huge for Barrow, the heart of sub-building in this country. Today’s news supports 8,000 BAE Systems’ submarine jobs, as well as thousands more in the supply chain, protecting prosperity and providing opportunity right across the country.”

image © Crown Copyright

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Astute hunter-killer submarine Gavin Williamson Ministry of Defence nuclear submarine programme

Post written by: Matt Brown