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Nuclear Update
25 February 2020
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Defence
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement is about maintaining the UK's independent nuclear deterrent, specifically the replacement of existing warheads for the Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines.
Action Requested
The Ministry of Defence will continue to work with the Atomic Weapons Establishment and the U.S. to build teams, facilities, and capabilities necessary for the replacement warhead programme, while also sustaining current warheads until their withdrawal from service. The Department will provide annual updates through reports to Parliament on the UK’s future nuclear deterrent.
Key Facts
- In 2007, the Government began a programme to maintain the UK’s nuclear deterrent beyond the early 2030s.
- The 2015 Strategic Defence & Security Review confirmed the UK’s commitment to an independent minimum credible deterrent.
- The Dreadnought Class ballistic missile submarines will replace existing warheads.
- Delivery of the replacement warhead is subject to government major programme approvals and oversight.
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