Why are three of the UK’s four nuclear deterrent submarines at sea?
The United Kingdom has simultaneously deployed three of its four nuclear deterrent submarines at sea for the first time in five years, with at least one armed with ballistic missiles carrying nuclear warheads.
The deployment includes HMS Vanguard, HMS Vigilant, and HMS Vengeance, while the fourth submarine, HMS Victorious, is currently undergoing maintenance. A navy source described the deployment as "unusual" without providing further explanation. The UK continuously maintains at least one nuclear submarine at sea as a security guarantee.
Historical Context
The last time three UK submarines were simultaneously at sea was more than five years ago. According to Navy Lookout, one submarine carrying ballistic missiles has been continuously at sea since 1969. Last year, HMS Vanguard patrolled for 200 days, just short of the record 207-day deployment by HMS Victorious in 2021.
Government Response
A UK defense ministry spokesperson emphasized that the nuclear deterrent is the "cornerstone of our national security, protecting the UK and our NATO allies every moment of every day." They highlighted that the UK remains the only European nation committed to using its nuclear deterrent for NATO's defense.
We remain the only European ally to commit its nuclear deterrent to the defence of NATO. This means that all NATO allies already benefit from the protection of our nuclear deterrent.
War Preparations
Streeting's warning about potential war came amid the government's "Be Ready" campaign, which advises households to store three days' worth of tinned food, water, cash, and a wind-up radio. The defense secretary wrote in the Telegraph that Britain must be ready to fight and win within 1,000 days as adversaries' capabilities grow.
The deployment follows reports of Russian fishing trawlers tracking and spying on UK undersea cables, and comes after British and French fighter jets conducted their first joint exercise involving France's airborne nuclear capability.
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