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Nuclear Submarines: Decommissioning

Asked by James MacClearyLiberal DemocratMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 June 2026UIN 4943

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to accelerate the disposal of decommissioned nuclear submarines.

Answered by Luke Pollard

Submarine recycling is a personal priority for me. In July 2023, the demonstrator submarine, SWIFTSURE, was moved to dry dock at Rosyth Royal Dockyard to commence final dismantling. This demonstrator project will refine the disposal process and is on track to be dismantled by the end of 2026. Lessons learned from this will provide more certainty around the schedule and identify any acceleration opportunities for defueling and dismantling the remaining 22 decommissioned submarines.

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