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UK deploys three of four nuclear deterrent submarines in ‘unusual circumstances’
Published 17:29 27 Oct 2026 GMT
Updated 17:37 27 Oct 2026 GMT
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At least one is armed with ballistic missiles on a routine patrol.
The UK has deployed three of its four nuclear deterrent submarines in what has been described as an "unusual situation".
As reported by The Times, three of the four vessels are out at sea, and at least one the submarines is armed with ballistic missiles carrying nuclear warheads and on a routine patrol.
The paper said that, as per experts, the other two vessels are "probably carrying out sea trial and preparing for operations".
They added that the Royal Navy would not confirm the purpose of the deployment based on security reasons.
A navy source told The Times that the fact all three of the submarines are at sea is "unusual".
The fourth of Britain's Vanguard-class nuclear deterrent submarines is in Devonport undergoing maintenance.
Another senior navy source told the paper they were surprised that three of the vessels were at sea, saying it is “a great day and evidence that times are improving”, but also stressed this was unlikely to be a form of "strategic messaging".
They added this would “reduce patrol lengths and make life better”.
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