UK awards £5.9 billion contract to BAE Systems for Dreadnought-class nuclear submarines

Published Jul 29, 09:30 PM UTC

The UK Government has awarded a £5.9 billion contract to BAE Systems to advance the Royal Navy's Dreadnought Class nuclear deterrent submarines. The contract covers continued work on the first boat, Dreadnought, delivery expected in the early 2030s, as well as construction of the second boat, Valiant, and early-stage work on the remaining two, Warspite and King George VI. The four-boat class will replace the Vanguard fleet to maintain the UK's Continuous at Sea Deterrent. The contract is part of a wider £8.4 billion package approved by parliament. BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn emphasized the program's strategic importance, while Defence Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted its role in supporting British industry and approximately 30,000 jobs. The program has already spent £8.9 billion across over 1,500 UK suppliers.