Create a free starter account, or log in.

Get access to four free articles per month, as well as our Decisive Edge Newsletters and Daily News Bulletin.

Email Address

Password

Forgot your password? Reset by clicking here

Create a Password

[[ req.met ? '✓' : '•' ]] [[ req.text ]]

Re-enter Password

Passwords do not match

First Name

Last Name

Country

Confirm your account

Please enter the four-digit pin below that has been emailed to you.

Didn't receive the pin yet?

This pin expires in 20 minutes.

[[ error ]]

By creating an account, you agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Stay informed with Shephard's award-winning journalism. Unlock unlimited access and in-depth analysis with a corporate or individual subscription.

Explore your options here

Keel laid for Royal Navy’s next-generation nuclear submarine

25th March 2025 - 09:59 GMT | by Tony Fyler in Swansea

RSS

The ceremony took place in the shadow of a completed section of HMS Dreadnought. (Photo: Royal Navy/Crown copyright)

HMS Dreadnought will be the first of the four Dreadnought class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) scheduled to enter service in the early 2030s. Following its keel-laying ceremony last week, Shephard takes a deeper dive into the class which will eventually replace the Royal Navy's long-standing Vanguard class of boats.

HMS Dreadnought, the lead vessel in the Royal Navy’s new Dreadnought class of nuclear submarines, had its keel-laying ceremony at the Barrow-in-Furness shipyard of BAE Systems on 20 March.

While the ceremony was largely symbolic, as the majority of the construction work on the first of the four-vessel class has been completed, it marked an intention to push forward with the replacement of the UK’s Vanguard class submarines which currently carry the country’s nuclear deterrent.

According to Shephard Defence Insight, the whole life cost of the four new submarines will be £31 billion (US$42 billion) across the vessels’

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Author

Tony Fyler

Tony Fyler is the Naval Reporter at Shephard.

He has experience in business and …

Read full bio

More from Naval Warfare

NAVSEA invests more in support of mine countermeasure USVs

The new contract with Textron Systems will support software development for uncrewed vessels over the next three years.
Naval modernisation accelerates amid geopolitical tension and tech evolution

The global naval market is undergoing a notable transformation, with growth driven by both escalating geopolitical tensions and the emergence of innovative technologies. Across NATO, but particularly in Europe, navies are accelerating modernisation efforts, spurred by renewed threats and persistent capability gaps.
Two new European logistics support vessels enter sea trials

The two Logistic Support Ships (LSS), contracted under Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation, (OCCAR), should be commissioned into service later in 2025.
Ireland steps up European defence co-operation in the face of Russian activity

Ireland is militarily neutral but has joined a European Union (EU) rapid reaction force and a European information sharing group.
Raytheon’s Barracuda completes anti-mine tests as company looks to expand role

Raytheon successfully completed tests in February of the Barracuda uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) mine-neutralisation system which the company is building for the US Navy (USN).
UK Royal Navy Type 31 frigate enters capability insertion period with Babcock

The capability insertion phase will upgrade the navy's Type 31 frigates with modern systems in addition to those specified during its design phase.