UK: Major section of Dreadnought class submarine HMS Dreadnought completed.

According to information published by the UK MoD on October 19, 2023, a significant section of HMS Dreadnought has been transported through the streets of Barrow-in-Furness. This event marks a milestone as this 'mega unit' is the largest segment of Dreadnought that has been completed so far.
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Section of the Dreadnought class submarine HMS Dreadnought. (Picture source: Royal Navy)

This extensive transport operation saw the segment moved from BAE Systems’ fabrication facility to the iconic Devonshire Dock Hall, a structure that stands out prominently in the skyline of the Cumbrian town.

The last time BAE Submarines undertook the transport of such a large submarine section, 22 metres in length, was three decades ago. Back then, it was the 34-metre-long fore-end 'mega unit' of HMS Vengeance, the final Vanguard-class submarine.

The Vanguard-class submarines, having served their purpose, are now reaching the end of their operational lifespan. Replacing them will be four successors, with HMS Dreadnought spearheading the fleet. HMS Warspite and Valiant are also currently under construction, while the commencement of work on the fourth submarine, HMS King George VI, is anticipated.

All these submarines are set to be assembled in the vast confines of the dock hall. This facility, measuring 260 metres in length, 58 metres in width, and 51 metres in height, is almost spacious enough to house the Titanic.

Presently, the final two Astute-class submarines, HMS Agamemnon and Agincourt, are nearing completion within this hall. The recently transported 'mega unit' will soon join them on the Dreadnought assembly line.

HMS Dreadnought is slated to be operational in the early 2030s. This will coincide with the retirement of the V-boats, which have dutifully served for four decades, executing Operation Relentless, the UK's strategic deterrence mission.

Dreadnought class

The Dreadnought class submarine is equipped with a Rolls-Royce PWR3 nuclear reactor for propulsion, complemented by a turbo-electric drive and a pump-jet. It has the capacity to accommodate a complement of 130 crew members.

The submarine is outfitted with four 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes, specifically designed for Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes. Additionally, it has 12 ballistic missile tubes, each capable of housing 8 to 12 Lockheed Trident II D5 SLBMs. Each of these SLBMs can carry up to 8 warheads, providing the submarine with significant firepower.