UK Deploys Three Nuclear Deterrent Submarines at Sea in Rare Move

The United Kingdom has three of its four nuclear-armed submarines at sea at the same time for the first time in more than five years, according to a report by The Times on Wednesday. The vessels – HMS Vanguard, HMS Vigilant and HMS Vengeance – are all Vanguard-class ballistic missile submarines. The fourth, HMS Victorious, is undergoing maintenance.

At least one of the submarines is understood to be carrying ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. A navy source quoted by The Times described the simultaneous deployment as "unusual", without giving further details. The UK normally keeps one submarine on continuous patrol at sea as its nuclear deterrent, a practice known as Continuous At-Sea Deterrence.

Navy Lookout, an independent publication covering the Royal Navy, reported that one submarine has been at sea without interruption since 1969, ensuring the deterrent. It said a second vessel was likely preparing to relieve a patrol boat, while the third was probably conducting sea trials or work-up activity. The last time three submarines were at sea simultaneously was more than five years ago, according to The Times.

The deployment comes after Defence Secretary Wes Streeting warned last week that Britain must be ready for war within 1,000 days. The government also launched a "Be Ready" campaign asking households to store three days' supply of tinned food, water and cash. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson told Sky News that the nuclear deterrent is the "cornerstone of our national security" and that the UK remains the only European ally to commit its deterrent to NATO.

Last week, British and French fighter jets took part in their first joint exercise involving France's airborne nuclear capability. French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin said nuclear cooperation with the UK "continues to deepen". Streeting added: "In an increasingly dangerous world, our adversaries should be in no doubt."