Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, cut the first steel for HMS King George VI, officially starting its construction which BAE Systems is building in partnership with the wider Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
The day also saw His Majesty King Charles III visit BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness to welcome the country's newest attack submarine, HMS Agamemnon into the Royal Navy. The King then visited the Town Hall in Barrow to bestow the Royal Port status on the town in honour of its 120-year history as the home of UK submarine construction.
The Dreadnought submarines, due to enter service from the early 2030s, are the replacement for the Vanguard-class submarines, which currently deliver the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD) for the Royal Navy. The critical role underpins the nation’s defence as the ultimate security guarantee and sees at least one of the boats deployed in an unknown location at sea every day, of every year.
The Submarine Production Alliance oversees the production of the Dreadnought class of submarines and its Managing Director, Alex McMillan, said: "The Cut Steel event is a momentous milestone for the programme. It marks the start of Boat 4 construction and is the start of an extensive and complex manufacturing, build and test process that will employ many people over the next decade, and will enable a smooth transition into UK continuous submarine manufacture through the next class of attack submarines.
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive BAE Systems, said: “This is a proud day for Barrow and everyone involved in the wider UK submarine enterprise who are working collaboratively to deliver the Dreadnought and Astute class submarines. We take great pride in our role in this national endeavour and in our contribution to safeguarding the UK’s security.”
General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff said: "The commissioning of the sixth Astute class submarine, HMS Agamemnon and the steel cut for the fourth Dreadnought-class submarine, HMS King George VI, mark significant milestones in the Royal Navy's enduring commitment to safeguarding our nation.
"I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the exceptional workforce at Barrow, whose dedication, skill, and innovation continue to drive forward these vital programmes, ensuring the Royal Navy remains at the forefront of global maritime defence."
The challenge of a generation
The Dreadnought Class will be one of the most complex machines ever built and it will operate in one of the most hostile environments on the planet.
As the largest Class of submarine ever built for the Royal Navy, each will boast 26.4 miles of pipework and more than 20,000 cables stretching 215 miles – further than travelling between London and Leeds.
The four Dreadnought Class submarines, each the length of three Olympic swimming pools, will maintain CASD, responsible for safeguarding our national security and way of life, for as long as the international security situation makes it necessary. The Dreadnought Programme is a truly incredible national endeavour.