BAE Systems to cut steel for first Successor submarine

BAE Systems is to begin initial manufacturing work for the Royal Navy’s first Successor submarine following a new government investment in the project.

The investment — more than $1.68 billion — allows the start of structural steel work for the submarine’s auxiliary machine space, continued design of the submarine, purchasing materials and long lead items, and investment in facilities at a company shipyard.

“This additional financial investment by the MOD is an expression of confidence in our ability to build these sophisticated vessels,” said Tony Johns, managing director of BAE Systems Submarines. “We have been designing the new class of submarine for more than five years and thanks to the maturity of our design, we’re now in a position to start production on the date we set back in 2011.”

A steel-cutting ceremony, which marks the start of construction, is being held next week and will be attended by Britain’s Defense Secretary Michael Fallon.

Britain is planning for four Successor submarines, which will carry Trident nuclear missiles. The new submarines are to replace the Royal Navy’s Vanguard-class vessels beginning in 2030s.