OVERVIEW: The S 28 Vanguard is a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) of the Vanguard class, operated by the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy. Entering service in 1993, the Vanguard class forms the cornerstone of the UK’s independent nuclear deterrent.

DETAILS: The Vanguard class was conceived in the early 1980s as a replacement for the aging Resolution-class SSBNs. The design emphasized stealth, incorporating advanced noise reduction techniques learned from previous submarine classes. The design features a significantly enhanced hull form compared to the Resolution class, optimized for hydrodynamic efficiency and reduced acoustic signature. Reactor design also focused on increased operational time between refuelings. Construction took place at Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering (now BAE Systems Submarines) in Barrow-in-Furness. The boats are designed for extended deployments, ensuring a continuous at-sea deterrent.

The primary role of the Vanguard class is to maintain the UK's Continuous At-Sea Deterrent (CASD). This involves keeping at least one submarine on patrol at all times, armed with nuclear-tipped Trident D5 missiles. While primarily an SSBN, the Vanguard class retains a limited anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability. Its advanced sonar suite allows for the detection and tracking of potential threats to the submarine itself. The class has not been publicly documented as having a significant anti-surface warfare (ASuW) role, given the priority of its strategic mission.

The Vanguard class is equipped with a comprehensive sensor suite for navigation, target detection, and self-defence. The Type 2044 passive towed array sonar, as part of the Type 2054 suite, provides long-range detection capabilities, particularly against other submarines. Complementing this is the Type 2043 active/passive hull-mounted sonar, also integrated within the Type 2054 suite, offering enhanced short- to medium-range detection. The Type 2045 flank array sonar, part of the Type 2054 suite, further enhances the submarine’s situational awareness. The Type 1007 navigation radar provides surface navigation capability. The UAP-3 electronic support measures (ESM) system intercepts and analyzes enemy radar emissions. The Type 2082 provides high frequency intercept, direction finding and ranging capability. The submarine is also equipped with two periscopes: one optical and one with Low Light TV (LLTV) capabilities for visual observation and reconnaissance.

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