Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 5:26:17-5:27:40

Why Warspite is an unsettling SSBN name

Britain's new deterrent submarines should be capable, but Warspite's famously aggressive lineage sits awkwardly on a platform meant to remain controlled and unseen.

Ballistic Missile SubmarinesDreadnought Class SubmarinesHMS WarspiteNuclear DeterrenceRoyal Navy
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Question

What is known about the new Dreadnought-class SSBNs, and what do you think of them?

Short answer

They should be capable deterrent submarines, although the combative Warspite name feels ill-suited to an SSBN.

Notes

The Dreadnought class is expected to provide capable strategic submarines, but the name Warspite prompts a personal objection. Earlier ships of that name are associated here with aggressive action and, on several occasions, opening fire before receiving orders. The name deserves continued recognition in the fleet. Attaching that combative reputation to a ballistic-missile submarine nevertheless feels uncomfortable in this deliberately humorous assessment. The objection concerns the personality associated with a historic name, rather than a defect in the submarine's design.