Construction of the first submarine, Dreadnought, continues at BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness shipyard. Delivery to the Royal Navy is planned for the early 2030s.
The contract also funds continued construction of the second boat, Valiant. It covers fabrication and outfitting work on Warspite and King George VI.
The four submarines will replace the Royal Navy’s Vanguard-class fleet. They will maintain the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent capability.
BAE Systems said the Dreadnought class will be the largest and most advanced submarines built for the Royal Navy. The programme is being delivered with the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
The £5.9 billion award forms part of a wider £8.4 billion package approved by parliament. That package supports organisations responsible for maintaining and renewing the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
“The Dreadnought programme is of vital strategic importance to the UK, underpinning the security of our nation and our allies for decades to come,” BAE Systems Chief Executive Charles Woodburn said. “Its delivery depends on the strength of our national industrial base, with thousands of skilled workers right across the country playing their part in the mission to deliver this critical capability to the Royal Navy.”
BAE Systems spent £1.3 billion through the Dreadnought supply chain during its last financial year. Total spending has reached £8.9 billion across more than 1,500 UK suppliers.
The programme supports about 30,000 jobs across the country. More than 7,000 BAE Systems employees currently work directly on Dreadnought.
“Our nuclear-armed submarines are essential to keeping the UK secure, acting as the ultimate deterrent to our adversaries in an increasingly dangerous world,” Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said. “This milestone investment breathes new life into Barrow’s historic traditions and secures our commitment to deliver Dreadnought Class submarines by backing British industry.”
BAE Systems has invested £1 billion in its Barrow submarine site. The workforce has grown from 11,000 to about 16,000 over four years.
King Charles III granted Barrow-in-Furness Royal Port status in September 2025. The designation recognised the town’s role in UK defence and submarine construction.
BAE Systems is also investing in local training and community facilities. The company is working through the Team Barrow partnership and the £200 million Barrow Transformation Fund.
