MilitaryVanguard-class SSBN
Submarineconfirmed
The Vanguard class carries the UK's entire nuclear deterrent — 4 submarines operating on continuous at-sea deterrence (CASD) since 1969. Each carries up to 8 Trident II D5 missiles. One Vanguard is always on patrol.
Specifications
| Type | Submarine |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | VSEL (BAE Systems) |
| Introduced | 1994 |
| Status | In service |
| Range | 999,999 |
| Weight | 15,900 |
| Speed | 46 |
| Crew | 135 |
History
Four boats: Vanguard, Victorious, Vigilant, Vengeance (1994-1999). Will be replaced by the Dreadnought class starting ~2030. The UK leases Trident II D5 missiles from the US common pool.
Operators
| Country | Quantity | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 4 SSBNs, 1 on CASD patrol at all times | confirmed |
Text adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo from Wikimedia Commons; see the Wikipedia article for author and license.
