MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
News Release (048/2009) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 2
March 2009
The strategic
missile submarine HMS Vigilant will be kitted out with updated
weapons systems and a new nuclear reactor core under a refit
contract worth in excess of £300 million, Secretary of State for
Defence John Hutton announced today.
The 16,000 tonne submarine is expected to spend around three and
a half years under refit by Babcock at Devonport Royal Dockyard in
Plymouth. The work is expected to sustain employment for around
1,000 people in the dockyard and another 1,000 across the industry
at its peak.
During a visit to the Naval Base today Mr Hutton said:
"This substantial contract, providing over three years of
work at the dockyard and sustaining many jobs across industry
including small and medium enterprises, is a crucial part of our
commitment to updating our submarine fleet. Maintaining the
effectiveness of our nuclear deterrent is one of MOD's
highest priorities.
"The highly sophisticated nature of the work involved is
testament to the experience and skills of the workforce here in
Devonport and is the latest in a steady stream of packages to be
carried out in the dedicated submarine refit facilities here. Both
HMS Victorious and HMS Turbulent have recently left Devonport
following successful overhauls, with HMS Triumph making progress
in her maintenance period as we speak."
MOD Chief of Materiel Fleet Vice Admiral Sir Trevor Soar said:
"The major overhaul will furnish Vigilant with the latest
reactor core, as used in the new Astute class submarines, fuelling
her for life. Several other important updates to both her self
defence systems and her Trident missile system are also included,
significantly updating the combat ability of this 21st Century warship."
The accommodation and mess areas that cater for the 135 strong
ship's company will receive a makeover. A major revalidation
of the submarine safety systems will see Vigilant returned to the
fleet in 2012 at very high safety standards, ready to carry out
her role in the Strategic Deterrent programme.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
1. Babcock Marine will carry out the LOP(R) package at Devonport
Royal Dockyard and Rolls Royce (Derby) will supply the new reactor core.
2. Vigilant is 149.9m long x 12.8m x 12m
a. 15,980 tonnes (dived)
b. She has a speed of more than 20 knots
c. 16 Trident II D5 missile launchers
d. Spearfish torpedos
e. In service 1996
f. Based at Faslane.
3. Vigilant is the third of four submarines in the Vanguard
class. The class is equipped with the Trident weapon system for
her deterrent role. The submarines are also equipped with a
comprehensive range of sensors, decoys and a powerful torpedo
armament for use in self-defence.
4. For further information please contact Sally May, DE&S
Press Office on 07747 726178. Imagery is available from the MOD
Image Database at http://www.defencenewsimagery.mod.uk.