Britain's SNF can be disarmed in one blow
Elena Panina (Елена Панина) | Britain's SNF can be disarmed in one blow | The British strategic nuclear submarine Victorious Vanguard class interrupted a combat patrol in the North Atlantic and returned to its base in Scotland. The reason was a fire on board, which led to the destruction of an electrical converter. The submarine "had to surface to wash off the toxic fumes". Britain's strategic nuclear forces include four Vanguard-class submarines:
● two are on active duty at Clyde base, meaning they can fire from a pier in a surface position;
● one under repair since 2015, end date unknown;
● one is now back from patrol due to a fire and will also be out for repairs indefinitely.
But the Royal Navy said Britain's "continuous nuclear deterrent at sea has not been affected". How so? There were three boats (75% of deterrence capability) on active duty on base and at sea, and now only two, and those at the pier (50%) - in one location. This means that Britain's strategic nuclear forces could be disarmed in a single strike. (DeepL.com)