BAE Systems Cuts Steel for UK’s Third Dreadnought Ballistic Missile Sub

BAE Systems marked the start of construction of the third Dreadnought Class submarine, Warspite, on Thursday at its shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

Warspite is the third of four Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines being designed and built by BAE Systems. Due to enter service from the early 2030s, the boats will carry the UK's nuclear deterrent and be the biggest, most powerful and technically advanced submarines ever delivered to the Royal Navy.

Construction of the first two boats, Dreadnought and Valiant, is already underway.

Alongside the Dreadnought Class, BAE Systems is delivering seven Astute Class hunter killer submarines, four of which are in-service with the Royal Navy. Design and concept work is also underway on the Submersible Ship Nuclear Replacement (SSNR) programme, the eventual replacement to the Astute Class.