Dreadnought-class submarine

Dreadnought-class submarines are the Royal Navy's next-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, built by BAE Systems for the UK's strategic deterrent. The class is designed to launch Trident 2 D5 missiles and is due to enter service in the early 2030s.

Dreadnought-class submarine, Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, Naval Systems

Image source: Rendering of Dreadnought-class submarine.webp

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United Kingdom
Built by: BAE Systems
Type: Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine
Service note: 2020s-present
Number built: 4 planned

submarine nuclear-powered ballistic missile missile

Specifications

Length: 153.6 m
Propulsion: Rolls-Royce PWR3 pressurised-water reactor
Missile fit: 12 Trident 2 D5 missiles in three missile compartments
Torpedo tubes: Four 533 mm tubes

Ballistic Missile Launch Capability

Royal Navy documentation says Dreadnought-class submarines will be capable of launching Trident 2 D5 missiles.

Missile	Type	Evidence
Ballistic missile	Ballistic missile	Royal Navy documentation says Dreadnought-class submarines will be capable of launching Trident 2 D5 missiles.

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Built for the Royal Navy's strategic deterrent, with first boats expected to enter service in the early 2030s.
Used by: Royal Navy

Media

Dreadnought-class submarine Images

Dreadnought-class submarine, Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, Naval Systems - view 1 — Source: Successor SSBN infographic.jpg

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Sources

Royal Navy Dreadnought classPublisher: Royal Navy | Note: Supports Dreadnought-class background, Royal Navy service context, and Trident 2 D5 launch capability. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 BAE Systems DreadnoughtPublisher: BAE Systems | Note: Supports manufacturer background, fleet size, and platform dimensions for the Dreadnought-class submarine. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Rendering of Dreadnought-class submarine.webpPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing context for the primary Dreadnought-class render used on the entry. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Successor SSBN infographic.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance and licensing context for the supporting Dreadnought-class infographic used in the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-06-27