About our Trident news
Latest news on Trident, the UK's nuclear deterrent submarine programme. Coverage of renewal plans, costs, controversies, and role in national defence strategy.
Trident, the UK's continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, consists of four Vanguard-class submarines armed with Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. At least one submarine is always on patrol, providing a constant nuclear deterrent. The programme is operated by the Royal Navy and based at Clyde Naval Base, Faslane, Scotland.
The UK government is currently undertaking a renewal programme to replace the ageing Vanguard-class submarines with a new class of four submarines, known as the Dreadnought class. The first of these new submarines is expected to enter service in the early 2030s. However, the renewal programme has faced criticism over rising costs, which are estimated to exceed £31 billion, according to the National Audit Office.
The Trident programme remains a topic of intense public debate and controversy. Critics argue that nuclear weapons are immoral, expensive, and ineffective in addressing modern security threats. Supporters maintain that Trident is essential for the UK's national security and its role as a nuclear power. The issue has also been a point of contention in Scotland, where the SNP-led government opposes the basing of nuclear weapons on Scottish territory.
The history of the UK's nuclear deterrent dates back to the 1950s, with the development of the first British nuclear weapons. The Trident programme began in the late 1970s as a replacement for the previous Polaris missile system. The decision to maintain a continuous at-sea deterrent has been a cornerstone of UK defence policy for decades, with successive governments arguing that it is necessary to ensure the country's security in an uncertain world.
As the UK navigates the challenges of the 21st century, the Trident programme continues to be a critical element of its national defence strategy. Our NewsNow feed provides comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of all aspects of the Trident deterrent, from the latest developments in the renewal programme to the ongoing public debate about the role of nuclear weapons in modern security. Stay informed with timely, reliable news from trusted sources on this crucial issue.