The Royal Navy currently operates eleven (11) submarines, making it one of the few naval forces in the world to field an entirely nuclear-powered fleet. Among these, the British Navy stands out as one of the select few operating Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs) — a critical component of the United Kingdom’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent (CASD).
Today, the Royal Navy’s undersea fleet is composed of three distinct submarine classes:
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Vanguard Class
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Astute Class
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Trafalgar Class
Each of these classes fulfills unique strategic and tactical roles, ranging from nuclear deterrence to precision land-attack and intelligence operations.
Vanguard Class: Britain’s Nuclear Deterrent at Sea
The Vanguard-class submarines represent the cornerstone of the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrence. Each boat is armed with up to 16 UGM-133A Trident II D5 or D5LE Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs), capable of striking targets up to 4,000 miles away.
In addition to ballistic missiles, these submarines carry Spearfish Heavyweight Torpedoes (HWT) — advanced, high-speed torpedoes capable of engaging enemy vessels up to 30 miles from launch.
Vanguard-Class Specifications
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Total Length: 150 metres
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Displacement: 15,900 tonnes
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Top Speed: 25+ knots
Submarines in Service
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HMS Vanguard (S28)
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HMS Victorious (S29)
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HMS Vigilant (S30)
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HMS Vengeance (S31)
Trafalgar Class: Proven Hunter-Killers
The Trafalgar-class submarines form a vital component of the Royal Navy’s attack submarine (SSN) capability. Designed for stealth and endurance, these boats carry Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missiles (LACM) and Spearfish torpedoes, providing both offensive strike and anti-ship capability.
Each submarine is equipped with five 533mm torpedo tubes, capable of launching UGM-109E Tomahawk missiles sourced from the United States.
Trafalgar-Class Specifications
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Displacement: 5,298 tonnes
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Length: 85.4 metres
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Crew: 130
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Speed: 30+ knots
Submarines in Service
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HMS Trenchant (S91)
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HMS Talent (S92)
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HMS Triumph (S93)
Astute Class: The Next-Generation Attack Submarine
The Astute-class represents the Royal Navy’s latest generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines, combining stealth, endurance, and advanced sensor integration. These submarines are designed for multi-role missions including land attack, intelligence gathering, and special operations support.
Each boat is fitted with six 533mm torpedo tubes, capable of launching Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles. The Astute-class is gradually replacing the aging Trafalgar-class in active service.
Submarines in Service
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HMS Astute (S119)
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HMS Ambush (S120)
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HMS Artful (S121)
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HMS Audacious (S122)
