The United Kingdom cannot be assured of having its nuclear deterrent ready at all times if it operates fewer than four Trident missile submarines, Royal Navy chief Adm. Mark Stanhope told the London Times this week (see GSN, Sept. 24).
London three years ago unveiled its $33 billion plan to replace its fleet of four Vanguard-class submarines. The first vessel would begin operations in 2024.
However, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has indicated he would shrink the fleet to three submarines if other nuclear-armed states made similar moves on the path toward disarmament. He asked for a Royal Navy determination on whether such a plan would leave the nation with an adequate deterrent.
The United Kingdom now keeps one Vanguard submarine on patrol at all times. While a three-vessel deterrent would be possible, it could not ensure that nonstop program of patrols, Stanhope said. One submarine would be undergoing refurbishment at all times, while another would be beginning or ending its maintenance and repair period. That would mean only one submarine would be ready for operations, according to the admiral.
"If there were to be a major incident on board, such as a fire, this could cause the continuous patrol cycle to be broken," he said (Michael Evans, London Times, Nov. 18).