Submarines & Nuclear Capabilities

Question 1

Trident

Answer 1

This is the programme of development, procurement, and operation of nuclear weapons in the UK. It’s purpose is to deter the most extreme threats to national security and was developed throughout the Cold War (1947 - 1991).
It is also the operational system of the 4 Vanguard-class submarines, armed with Trident ballistic missiles able to deliver thermonuclear warheads. Trident missiles were “detargetted” in 1994 following the collapse of the Soviet Union and instead now await coordinates that can be programmed into their system.
The programme is operated at Clyde Naval Base. At least one submarine is always on patrol.

Question 2

Countries with Nuclear Weapons

Answer 2

1. Russia
2. United States
3. China
4. France
5. United Kingdom
6. Pakistan
7. India
8. Israel
9. North Korea

5 countries host US Nuclear Weapons: Belguim, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey.

Question 3

Ballistic Missile Submarines

Answer 3

4 Vanguard Class submarines hold Trident, the UK’s nuclear deterrant: Vanguard, Vengeance, Victorious, Vigilant.
Each boat is armed with Trident 2 D5 nuclear missiles. The D5 ballistic missile can be fired at targets up to 4000 miles away. Vanguard submarines on patrol carry up to 40 warheads (the forward section that contains the explosive agent) and 8 missiles.
They are steam powered (reactors convert water to steam to drive the engines and electricity).
They are fitted with SONAR capable of hearing vessels up to 50 miles away.
They have the spearfish anti-submarine torpedo, capable of blasting enemy submarines out the water.
Due to stay in service until the 2030s.

Question 4

Ballistic vs Cruise Missile

Answer 4

A ballistic missile is rocket-powered only in initial boost, after which it follows an arcing trajectory to the target.
Cruise missiles are jet-propelled throughout their flight.

Question 5

Attack Submarines

Answer 5

‘Hunter-Killer’ submarines designed for the purpose of attacking and sinking other submarines, surface combatants , and merchant vessels.
* Astute Class are the largest, most-advanced attack submarines ever operated by the RN. They are nuclear powered.
*HMS Astute, Ambush, Artful, Audacious, Anson, Agincourt
*They use a Tomahawk sea-launched missile (TLAM - Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missile) to strike ground targets hundreds of miles away. They also host the spearfish torpedo for water-bourne threats.
* Trafalgar Class
*4 Cold War submarines, now adapted to the demands of the 21st century, refitted to perform roles such as covert surveillance and inshore reconnaissance

Question 6

Future Submarines

Answer 6

Dreadnought Class - the new ballistic missile submarine will take over the Vanguard class in the 2030s to uphold the UK’s CASD.

Question 7

Continuous At Sea Deterrant

Answer 7

Since 1969 the Royal Navy has delivered the UK’s nuclear deterrant by keeping at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine patrolling the world’s oceans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The purpose is to preserve peace, prevent coercion, and deter aggression.
The Trident System was initiated during the Cold War (1947 - 1991) to show the UK to be invulnerable to pre-emptive attacks and to pose a potential threat to the Soviets.
The UK remains a part of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) which aims for full nuclear disarmament - however continued nuclear development in Russia, China, Pakistan, India, and North Korea means CASD remains necessary.
The current nuclear stockpile of the UK is 225 warheads, compared to the Russian ~6000 and US ~5500.