The Vanguard-class submarines represent a cornerstone of the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent capability and are among the most advanced ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) ever constructed. Developed to replace the aging Resolution-class submarines, these vessels were designed as part of the UK’s Trident program, which began in the 1980s. The decision to build the Vanguard class coincided with the purchase of the Trident II D5 ballistic missile system from the United States, marking a significant step in ensuring the continuation of Britain’s nuclear deterrent strategy. The Vanguard class embodies technological sophistication and strategic importance, maintaining the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrence (CASD) policy, under which at least one submarine is always on patrol, ready to respond to threats at a moment’s notice.
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The lead boat of the class, HMS Vanguard (S28), was laid down at the Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd (VSEL) shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness in 1986. It was launched in 1992 and formally commissioned into the Royal Navy on August 14, 1993. This marked the beginning of a new era for the UK’s nuclear deterrence capabilities. HMS Vanguard was equipped with a Rolls-Royce PWR2 nuclear reactor, which provides virtually unlimited operational range while submerged. This reactor design significantly improved upon the performance of the earlier PWR1 reactors used in the Resolution class, offering better efficiency and a longer operational lifespan. The submarine measures 149.9 meters in length, displaces 15,900 tons submerged, and can reach speeds of 25 knots underwater. Its endurance is limited only by the crew’s food supplies, as the reactor enables the submarine to operate without refueling for decades.
HMS Vanguard was the first Royal Navy submarine to carry the Trident II D5 ballistic missile, a weapon system with intercontinental range and multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). Each missile can deliver multiple nuclear warheads to different targets, providing a highly flexible and devastating deterrent. Vanguard also carries Spearfish heavyweight torpedoes for self-defense, ensuring its survivability against potential threats. The introduction of Vanguard and her sister submarines allowed the UK to retire the aging Polaris missile system used by the Resolution class, maintaining its commitment to NATO’s strategic deterrent capabilities.
The construction of HMS Vanguard and her sister boats marked a significant engineering achievement for the UK. The complexity of designing and building SSBNs required collaboration across industries, with Vickers Shipbuilding playing a central role. The submarine’s design incorporated enhanced stealth features, including an anechoic coating to reduce sonar detection and improvements in noise reduction for the reactor and propulsion systems. These advancements ensured the Vanguard class remained highly survivable in contested environments.
Since her commissioning, HMS Vanguard has played a critical role in maintaining the UK’s deterrence posture, conducting regular patrols as part of CASD. However, like all submarines in her class, HMS Vanguard has faced challenges during her service life. In 2009, she was involved in a collision with the French SSBN Le Triomphant while on patrol in the Atlantic Ocean. Both submarines sustained minor damage but no crew members were harmed. The incident highlighted the secrecy and operational security surrounding SSBN patrols, as neither nation disclosed the presence of their submarines in the area until after the collision.
the HULL thickness is around 6mms in most areas.
HMS Vanguard and the other boats in her class have undergone several refits and upgrades to extend their service lives. Notably, Vanguard underwent a significant long overhaul period (LOP) in the 2010s, which included reactor refueling and upgrades to her systems to ensure continued operational readiness. These efforts are part of the Royal Navy’s strategy to maintain the Vanguard class until the introduction of the Dreadnought-class submarines, which are currently under construction and scheduled to enter service in the early 2030s. The Dreadnought class will eventually replace the Vanguard class, continuing the UK’s nuclear deterrent mission with updated technologies and enhanced capabilities.
HMS Vanguard’s legacy is significant, not only as the first of her class but also as a symbol of the UK’s enduring commitment to maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent. Her introduction marked a technological and strategic leap forward for the Royal Navy, ensuring Britain’s ability to respond to emerging global threats while upholding its defense commitments to NATO and its allies.
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