Ballistic submarines are the UK's ultimate shield and sword, as the Navy's 'bombers' carry the nation’s strategic nuclear deterrent in the shape of Trident nuclear missiles. One of these four big submarines is always on patrol somewhere in the world's oceans, a round-the-clock insurance policy for the country.
Ballistic Submarines
HMS Vanguard
HMS Vanguard was the first of the four submarines of her class to be launched, on 4 March 1992 at Barrow. As the name-ship of the class she continued to lead the way, carrying out the first Trident missile test firing in May 1994 and the first operational deterrent patrol in early 1995. She was also the first to undergo her major mid-life refit, from 2002 to 2004, during which she was fitted with the new Core H reactor core, which will provide the power to see her through the rest of her service life.
Operations
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Vigilant crew honoured for work leading to successful missile test firing05/06/2013
The crew of HMS Vigilant received a trophy for being the Navy’s No.1 ballistic missile submarine – as proven by a successful test firing last autumn. The Faslane-based boat was awarded the SSBN Efficiency Trophy at a ceremony in her home port.
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NATO praises Royal Navy's dedication to delivering security05/04/2013
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen wrote to Defence Secretary Philip Hammond this week to thank the UK for its nuclear commitment to the alliance as the Royal Navy completed the 100th patrol by a Vanguard Class submarine.
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Royal Navy’s global Christmas presence thanks to one in seven of its men and women21/12/2012
More than 4,800 men and women – one in every seven personnel in the Naval Service – will be on active duty this Christmas safeguarding your liberty.From the mud of Afghanistan to the ice and snow of Antarctica, the ferocious Western Approaches to the sun of the Gulf, some 17 warships, survey vessels, submarines and auxiliaries, plus half a dozen squadrons, and the Royal Marines of 40 Commando are at work over the holiday period.
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MOD Awards £46M Submarine Command System Contract07/12/2012
A £46M contract to support and maintain a new sophisticated combat system across the Royal Navy’s world class submarine fleet has been awarded to BAE Systems.
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Defence Secretary Announces Further £350M For Successor Submarines29/10/2012
The Defence Secretary has announced an additional £350M worth of funding for the next stage of design work for Successor, the future generation of UK nuclear-armed submarines.
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