Babcock wins contract for Dreadnought class submarine program.

According to a PR published by Babcock International on November 28, 2023, the firm has been awarded additional contracts totaling £121 million for the UK's Dreadnought class submarine program.
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The accommodation unit from the first-of-class Dreadnought submarine. (Picture source: BAE Systems)

This includes a £66 million contract over 4.5 years from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for developing support solutions for these new submarines, set to replace the Vanguard Class by the early 2030s for maintaining the Continuous At Sea Deterrent.

Babcock secured a £55 million contract from BAE Systems for the Weapon Handling and Launch System and Submerged Signal Ejector for the second to fourth Dreadnought Class submarines.

These new contracts follow Babcock's earlier five-year agreement with the MOD for the detailed design of the upcoming SSN AUKUS submarines, expected to replace the Astute Class fleet from the late 2030s.

This series of contracts underscores Babcock's critical role in supporting the UK's current and future submarine fleet, enhancing in-service availability, and sustaining national defense capabilities.

About the Dreadnought class

The Dreadnought class submarine, currently in construction, has specifications that include a displacement of 17,200 tons, a length of 153.6 meters, a beam of 12.8 meters, and a draught of 12 meters.

She is equipped with a Rolls-Royce PWR3 nuclear reactor, turbo-electric drive, and pump-jet propulsion, giving her a range that is primarily limited by food supplies and the lifespan of mechanical components. The submarine is designed to house a crew of 130.

Her armament comprises 4×21 inch torpedo tubes for Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes and 12 ballistic missile tubes, which can accommodate 8 to 12 Lockheed Trident II D5 SLBMs, each with the capacity to carry up to 8 warheads.