Britain MoD To Upgrade Nuclear Submarine In A Contract Worth £350

The British Ministry of Defense announced today the signing of a multi-million pound deal to upgrade one of the Royal Navy’s nuclear deterrent submarines. The £350 million contract to refit and refuel HMS one of the UK’s four Vanguard class submarines, designed to carry the UK‘s Trident nuclear missiles. Together, they form the backbone of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent. The upgrade is expected to take three-and-a-half years – clocking up a total of 2.5 million man hours. It will involve a complete overhaul of equipment on the submarine, as well as the installation of improved missile launch equipment and upgraded computer systems. Announcing the HMS Vengeance refit contract during a visit to Devonport Dockyard, Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said, “As well as securing 2,000 UK jobs, this contract will ensure the nuclear deterrent submarine fleet can continue to operate safely and effectively to maintain a continuous at-sea deterrent. As we stabilize the defence budget we are increasingly able to commit to equipment projects to safeguard the UK’s National Security.” A new reactor core – the energy source that powers the 15,000 tonne vessel – will also be fitted. This means that HMS Vengeance will be able to operate until the end of her remaining operational life without having to refuel again.