Continuous At Sea Deterrent | Royal Navy

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Vanguard class at a glance

Unlimited

Total range

25+ knots

Top speed

15,900 tonnes

Total displacement

150 metres

Overall length

What are we doing?

Today, the United Kingdom’s strategic nuclear deterrent is provided by the Vanguard-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine.

Together, these four boats – HMS Vanguard, HMS Victorious, HMS Vigilant and HMS Vengeance – patrol the world’s oceans, silent, undetected and ready to strike at any time. Their very presence sends a powerful message to those who would do us harm.

The first of her class, HMS Vanguard was launched in 1993 and now forms the cornerstone of the United Kingdom’s defence policy. She and her sister vessels contribute significantly to the Alliance’s deterrent forces.

A new class of ballistic submarine –the Dreadnought class – is currently under construction and is expected to replace the Vanguard-class by the 2030s, ushering in a new era of at-sea deterrence.

Why are we there?

Since April 1969, there has always been a Royal Navy ballistic missile submarine at sea. Armed with strategic nuclear missiles, these submarines have acted as the nation’s continuous nuclear deterrent, sending a clear message to would-be aggressors.

A credible nuclear deterrent depends on the ability to threaten an assured and effective response to aggression. This is amply carried out by the Royal Navy’s Trident II D5: a submarine-launched ballistic missile system with a range of over 4,000 nautical miles and accuracy to within metres.

Generations of Royal Navy Submariners, their families, support workers and industry partners have contributed to the maintenance of CASD, making it a truly national endeavour. At almost 50 consecutive years and counting, it is also the longest ongoing operation ever delivered by the Ministry of Defence.

Gallery

Vanguard Class

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