OVERVIEW: The S 28 Vanguard is a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) of the *Vanguard* class, serving with the Royal Navy. Commissioned in 2022, it represents a continuation of the UK's commitment to a continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent.

DETAILS: The *Vanguard* class was conceived in the early 1980s as a replacement for the *Resolution*-class SSBNs. The design prioritized stealth, reliability, and survivability, reflecting the Cold War strategic environment, although the continued operation and commissioning of *Vanguard* class boats to present demonstrates their enduring significance. Constructed by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering (now BAE Systems Submarines) at Barrow-in-Furness, the class shares a lineage with previous British submarine designs, but incorporates significant improvements in noise reduction and operational effectiveness. The *Vanguard* class is designed to carry the Trident D5 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), ensuring the United Kingdom maintains a credible nuclear deterrent. The commissioning of the S 28 *Vanguard* in 2022 ensures continued operational availability as older vessels undergo maintenance and refit cycles.

The primary role of the S 28 *Vanguard* is to provide a continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, ensuring a survivable retaliatory strike capability. While its strategic role is paramount, the submarine also possesses a significant anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability. The advanced sonar suite, including the Type 2044, Type 2043, and Type 2045 sonars (integrated within the Type 2054 suite), allows for long-range detection, classification, and tracking of potentially hostile submarines. In a secondary role, the vessel is capable of engaging surface combatants using its 533mm torpedo tubes and the SSE Mk10 countermeasures system provides a degree of self-defense against torpedo attack. The vessel is not outfitted with dedicated anti-air warfare (AAW) systems.

The S 28 *Vanguard* possesses a comprehensive sensor suite. The Type 2054 integrated sonar suite, incorporating the Type 2044, Type 2043, and Type 2045 sonars, provides advanced capabilities for detecting and tracking underwater contacts in both active and passive modes. The Type 1007 navigation radar allows for safe surface navigation and contact detection in littoral environments. The UAP-3 electronic support measures (ESM) suite enables the submarine to detect, analyze, and geolocate radar emissions from surface ships and aircraft, enhancing situational awareness. The Type 2082 provides a high-frequency sonar for close-range detection and obstacle avoidance. Two periscopes, one optical and one fitted with a low-light television (LLTV) camera, allow for visual surveillance and target identification in both daylight and low-light conditions. The integration of these sensors allows the *Vanguard* class to operate effectively in a wide range of underwater and surface environments.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 149.9 m || Beam: 12.8 m || Draft: 12.0 m || Disp: 13000 t

SENSORS: Type 2044 [Type 2054 Suite] || Type 2043 [Type 2054 Suite] || Type 1007 || UAP-3 || Type 2082 || Type 2045 [Type 2054 Suite] || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: Trident D5 || SSE Mk10 || 533mm TT