The United Kingdom Invests £8.4bn in Nuclear Submarine Programme

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London: The UK government has announced an £8.4 billion investment in the next phase of its Dreadnought nuclear submarine programme, saying the funding will strengthen the country's nuclear deterrent while supporting thousands of jobs and apprenticeships.

The investment will fund the construction and development of four Dreadnought-class nuclear-powered submarines being built by defence contractor BAE Systems. The company will receive £5.9 billion, with the remaining funding allocated to businesses across the wider supply chain.

The government said the programme will help the first submarine, HMS Dreadnought, complete sea trials ahead of entering Royal Navy service in the early 2030s. Work on HMS Valiant will also advance to sea trials, while construction of the third and fourth submarines will continue.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the programme is expected to support around 47,000 jobs and apprenticeships across the UK, describing it as a long-term investment in both national security and employment.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the funding reinforces the government's commitment to delivering the Dreadnought programme while supporting British industry.

The investment forms part of the UK's wider Defence Investment Plan, which sets aside more than £63 billion over the next four years for the country's nuclear deterrent, including the Dreadnought fleet and future attack submarines under the AUKUS security partnership with Australia and the United States.

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