BAE Systems recently began construction of the third Dreadnought Class submarine Warspite at its shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

Warspite is the third of four Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines designed and built by BAE Systems. These ships, which will enter service from the early 2030s, are planned to act as the UK’s nuclear deterrent and to be the most technically advanced submarines ever delivered to the British Navy. The construction of the first two ships, Dreadnought and Valiant, continues.

Steve Timms, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Submarines Division, said: “Today’s milestone is a truly momentous moment for BAE Systems and the thousands of employees across the submarine business working together to deliver the Dreadnought Class. We are extremely proud of the role we have played in making this truly national effort for the British Navy, and the contribution we have made to maintaining national security.”

Attending the ceremony, Defense Procurement Minister Alex Chalk KC MP said: “Our nuclear deterrence protects every British citizen every minute of the day against the most extreme threats, and the progress made in the Dreadnought Class is vital to maintaining our national security. This milestone is an important step forward in the Dreadnought programme. It supports thousands of jobs and apprenticeships across the country and protects the UK and our allies for decades to come.”

Over the life of the Dreadnought programme, an estimated £7.5 billion will be spent with UK suppliers and will support more than 11,800 jobs in the supply chain.