New nuclear missile sub budget stays within estimate

Britain’s Ministry of Defence says the forecast cost of building four Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines remains within the £41 billion estimate established in the 2015 defense review. The figure combines an inflation-inclusive £31 billion program estimate with a £10 billion contingency. The lead submarine is still expected to be ready to enter service in the early 2030s as Britain replaces the Vanguard class that currently provides its sea-based nuclear deterrent. The ministry withheld the dates of intermediate construction milestones, citing the potential impact on the security and effectiveness of the armed forces.