U.K.'s Future SSBN Program Gains Initial Gate Approval

摘要

U.K. Defense Secretary Liam Fox has announced Initial Gate Approval for the Successor Nuclear Deterrent Submarine Program (also known as Future Ballistic Missile Submarine-SSBN). The approval included up to $4.9 billion in authorized spending for further design development work for the future submarine. Although additional design work has been approved, the final construction decision — Main Gate Approval — is not scheduled until 2016. The United Kingdom and United States currently are collaborating on the design of a Common Missile Compartment for their respective Future SSBN Replacement Programs. Main Gate Approval would authorize a more detailed design and procurement of long-lead construction items to enable the first hull to enter service by 2028.