Babcock to refit Royal Navy's 2nd Vanguard class submarine HMS Victorious.

According to a PR published by Babcock on July 13, 2023, the company has been granted the preliminary contract to undertake a multi-year refit of the second Vanguard-class nuclear submarine, HMS Victorious, in the UK.
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Vanguard class submarine HMS Victorious. (Picture source: UK MoD)

The contract, brokered by the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), allows for significant maintenance to commence at Babcock's Devonport facility.

Babcock, the SDA, and the Royal Navy are currently in talks aimed at establishing a long-lasting strategic partnership for the secure, effective, and efficient execution of deep and base maintenance of submarines.

Likely to supersede existing commercial agreements under the Future Maritime Support Programme, this move would equate Babcock's status with other key industrial partners within a broader defence nuclear enterprise.

Comparison between Vanguard-class submarines and its successor Dreadnought-class submarines

Vanguard-class subs have a submerged displacement of 15,900 tonnes and a length of 149.9 meters. Their beam and draught measure 12.8 meters and 12 meters, respectively.

Powered by a single Rolls-Royce PWR2 nuclear reactor and two GEC turbines, they achieve speeds over 25 knots when submerged. Their range is virtually unlimited, only bound by food supply and mechanical endurance.

The Vanguard class is equipped with state-of-the-art sensor systems and armament. This includes 4 torpedo tubes for Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes and 16 ballistic missile tubes that can carry between 8 and 16 Lockheed Trident II D5 SLBMs, each of which can hold up to 8 warheads.

The Dreadnought class, a newer generation, represents an evolution of the UK's submarine capabilities. These submarines have a slightly larger displacement of 17,200 tonnes and are a bit longer at 153.6 meters.

Similar to the Vanguard class, the Dreadnought class also has a beam of 12.8 meters and a draught of 12 meters. They're powered by the more advanced Rolls-Royce PWR3 nuclear reactor and use a turbo-electric drive and pump-jet propulsion.

Like the Vanguard, the Dreadnought's range is only limited by food and mechanical requirements. These submarines carry a slightly smaller crew, with a complement of 130.

They also have 4 torpedo tubes for Spearfish torpedoes and 12 ballistic missile tubes for 8 to 12 Lockheed Trident II D5 SLBMs, again each capable of carrying up to 8 warheads.