# UK Dreadnought submarine and naval infrastructure programme > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-dreadnought-submarine-programme > Updated: 2026-08-24T15:06:50.000Z. Sources: 37. Developments: 4. The UK government confirmed on 30 July 2026 an £8.4 billion investment to move the Dreadnought-class nuclear-deterrent submarine programme into its next phase. Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, announced the funding at BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness shipyard. A £5.9 billion contract was awarded to BAE Systems to build four submarines; HMS Dreadnought is expected to finish sea-trials and enter service in the early 2030s, with HMS Valiant moving to sea-trial status and the remaining boats under construction. Rolls-Royce will provide the nuclear propulsion system, manufactured in Derby. The programme is projected to sustain about 47,000 jobs, involve more than 6,000 suppliers and create roughly 22,000 apprenticeships by 2035, forming part of a £63 billion defence-nuclear enterprise supporting the UK’s continuous deterrent and AUKUS partnership. On 1 August 2026, the United States announced $76.6 billion contracts for new Columbia-class ballistic-missile and Virginia-class attack submarines, linking the US effort to the same AUKUS framework. The UK’s £8.4 billion commitment was highlighted as a parallel step that reinforces the allied undersea nuclear deterrent and the joint modernisation of submarine fleets. On 24 August 2026, the UK government announced a £7.1 billion investment to upgrade HMNB Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe. Part of the £26 billion Royal Oak modernisation programme, the project aims to support future submarine operations, including deep maintenance and defuelling of the Royal Navy’s nuclear fleet. ## Claims - The UK government committed £8.4 billion to the Dreadnought‑class nuclear submarine programme. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The programme supports around 47,000 jobs and over 6,000 UK suppliers. (corroborated by 7 sources) - A £5.9 billion contract was awarded to BAE Systems to build four Dreadnought‑class submarines. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the investment during a visit to BAE Systems' Barrow shipyard, accompanied by Defence Secretary Wes Streeting. (corroborated by 6 sources) - HMS Dreadnought is expected to complete sea trials and enter service in the early 2030s. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The investment is part of a £63 billion defence spending plan over the next four years. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Dreadnought class will replace the Vanguard class as the UK's nuclear deterrent. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The programme includes a target of 22,000 apprenticeships by 2035. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: UK government to invest £7.1 billion in Devonport naval base The UK government plans a £7.1 billion investment to upgrade HMNB Devonport, supporting nuclear submarine maintenance and modernising naval infrastructure over the next decade. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-government-to-invest-71-billion-in-devonport-naval-base ### 2026-08-01: US and UK Allocate $85 B for New Nuclear Submarine Fleets The US approved $76.6 bn for new Columbia and Virginia submarines, while the UK pledged £8.4 bn for Dreadnought‑class nuclear boats, boosting allied undersea deterrence and shipbuilding jobs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-and-uk-allocate-85-b-for-new-nuclear-submarine-fleets ### 2026-07-30: UK commits £8.4bn to Dreadnought nuclear submarine programme The UK pledged £8.4 bn for the Dreadnought nuclear submarine programme, awarding BAE Systems a £5.9 bn contract, supporting ~47 000 jobs and targeting early‑2030s service for the first vessel. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bae-systems-wins-59-bn-contract-for-new-british-dreadnought-nuclear-submarines ### 2026-07-28: UK PM Andy Burnham announces £8.4bn investment in Dreadnought nuclear submarine programme UK PM Andy Burnham unveiled an £8.4bn boost for the Dreadnought nuclear submarine programme, backing four new subs, £5.9bn for BAE Systems, 47 000 jobs and 22 000 apprenticeships. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-prime-minister-andy-burnham-announces-84bn-nuclear-submarine-investment --- Cite as: UK Dreadnought submarine and naval infrastructure programme. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-dreadnought-submarine-programme