By Cicero, Defence Correspondent
Barrow-in-Furness — Britain’s nuclear deterrent programme reached a defining moment on Monday as work began on HMS King George VI, the fourth and final submarine in the Royal Navy’s Dreadnought class.
The ceremony at BAE Systems’ sprawling Barrow shipyard was overseen by Defence Secretary John Healey MP, who declared the milestone proof of the UK’s long-term commitment to its continuous at-sea deterrent — a mission uninterrupted since 1969.
> “Submarine building is a vital UK industry, sustaining thousands of jobs and apprenticeships up and down the country, all while continuing to keep the country safe around the clock,”
— John Healey MP, Defence Secretary
Royal Recognition
The day carried a double sense of occasion. King Charles III formally commissioned HMS Agamemnon, the Navy’s latest Astute-class attack submarine, and bestowed Barrow with the rare title of Royal Port — recognising the Cumbrian town as the crucible of the UK’s submarine enterprise.
Chief of Defence Nuclear, Madelaine McTernan CB, described the cutting of steel as “a significant milestone marking positive progress in this extraordinary programme.” She added: “Delivering these submarines is a truly national endeavour with a vast UK supply chain, culminating in the build at the Royal Port of Barrow.”
Jobs and Skills
The Ministry of Defence said the nuclear defence sector already supports 47,000 jobs nationwide — a figure expected to climb to 65,000 by 2030.
Barrow alone employs 13,500 people on submarine projects, with 1,800 apprentices and 500 graduates honing their craft at BAE’s Academy for Skills and Knowledge.
> “This is a proud day for Barrow and everyone involved in the wider UK submarine enterprise who are working collaboratively to deliver the Dreadnought and Astute class submarines.”
— Charles Woodburn, CEO of BAE Systems
Replacing the Vanguard
The four-strong Dreadnought fleet will replace the ageing Vanguard class, which has carried the UK’s Trident nuclear deterrent for three decades. Once at sea, the new submarines will be the most advanced ever operated by the Royal Navy, safeguarding Britain’s nuclear posture into the second half of the century.
Timeline: Britain’s Nuclear Submarine Programme
1969 — Continuous at-sea deterrent begins with Resolution-class submarines.
1990s — Vanguard-class enters service, armed with Trident missiles.
2016 — Parliament approves renewal of Trident and construction of four Dreadnought submarines.
2021 — Construction milestones reached on first three Dreadnought boats.
2025 — HMS Agamemnon commissioned; Barrow named a Royal Port; steel cut on HMS King George VI.
Early 2030s — First Dreadnought submarines expected to enter service.
2040s — Vanguard-class fully retired; Dreadnought fleet provides UK’s deterrent.
