Multimillion-pound major refit project starting on nuclear submarine

Preparation work has started on HMS Victorious ahead of her planned major refit to ready her for future tasking.

The multi-million-pound maintenance programme on the Royal Navy nuclear submarine will take place at Babcock's Devonport facility.

The work on the Vanguard-class submarine will see the vessel modernised and improved to continue operational patrols into the 2030s.

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Paul Watson, Babcock's Devonport facility managing director, said: "As part of the UK's critical continuous at-sea deterrent, HMS Victorious represents one of the most complicated pieces of engineering there is.

"Work on the vessel has started and the capability, knowledge and experience our people have gained through the delivery of similar projects supporting the Royal Navy fleet, along with new and innovative and collaborative approaches with our customer, means we are well prepared to deliver this important overhaul project."

As well as supporting the maintenance of existing and future classes of submarines, the arrival of Victorious will also enhance Devonport Dockyard's ability to deliver major defence projects.

More than 1,000 employees at Babcock will be involved in the project.

Brigadier Mike Tanner, commander of Devonport naval base, said: "This activity will sustain jobs and key skills for the City of Plymouth and the wider south-west region for the foreseeable future."

HMS Victorious and the rest of the Vanguard fleet are key components in the UK military’s longest operation – Operation Relentless.

Since 1969, at least one Royal Navy nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine is maintaining the UK's continuous at sea nuclear deterrent posture at all times.

Each Vanguard-class submarine is armed with Trident missiles.

The Vanguard fleet will be replaced by the Dreadnought-class submarines from the early 2030s.