Latest news with #DefenceNuclearEnterprise
BBC News
17 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Defence secretary John Healey visits AWE Aldermaston nuclear site
The UK's nuclear weapons centre in Berkshire is providing security for "generations to come", the defence secretary has Healey visited the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) at Aldermaston to mark its 75th site is part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) - the partnership of organisations that operate, maintain and develop the UK's nuclear recent Strategic Defence Review included £15bn spending on the nuclear warhead programme. More than 1,500 jobs have been created at the Aldermaston site in the past year, the government has said. AWE has two sites in Berkshire - one in Aldermaston and one in Burghfield - developing and manufacturing the country's nuclear deterrent, which sees a nuclear-armed submarine at sea this month, the government announced it would be adding to the UK's defence systems, including 12 new attack submarines, with upgrades coming to the his visit - the first by a defence secretary since 2018 - Mr Healey met staff working to create the next generation of warheads, replacing those on the Trident nuclear-weapons media was also given rare access to the facility. Scientists showed the Orion laser system which recreates conditions in a warhead at the point of detonation. Building work is also underway on a new so-called hub on the site which will accommodate up to 3,000 engineers when it is Healey said: "It's the historic site which for 75 years has been at the heart of the UK's ability to build, develop and maintain our independent nuclear deterrent."What the workforce do is a source of great pride for us all but also provides us with that ultimate security - for this country and to our Nato said the £15bn spending would support AWE's workforce of 9,500 at Aldermaston, with 1,500 new skilled staff and double the number of apprentices and graduates joining in the past 12 months."It's investment now for the security of our generations to come."It's not just about the scientists on site - its the supply chain and the opportunities for young people in Reading and beyond," he said. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
The National
10-06-2025
- Business
- The National
'Multi-billion-pound' renovation for Faslane nuclear base on Clyde
The Labour administration's announcement came as Rachel Reeves confirmed £14.2 billion of investment into the Sizewell C nuclear plant in Sussex. READ MORE: 12 nuclear incidents may have leaked radioactivity at Faslane naval base since 2023 In a press release, the UK Government said: 'To secure the UK as a leader in both civil and defence nuclear, the government will also be investing £4 billion over the next decade in the Plymouth naval base as well as continued long-term investment in our Defence Nuclear Enterprise and its industrial base, as this is critical for our national security while also being a significant generator of economic opportunities, jobs and growth across the entire country. 'Further investments in the defence nuclear sector include over £6 billion over the Spending Review period to enable a transformation in the capacity, capability and productivity of the UK's submarine industrial base, including at BAE Systems in Barrow and Rolls-Royce Submarines in Derby – to deliver the increase in the submarine production rate announced in the Strategic Defence Review. 'In addition, we will embark on a multi-decade, multi-billion redevelopment of HMNB Clyde, with an initial £250 million of funding over three years, supporting jobs, skills and growth across the West of Scotland. 'The government will also invest over £420 million of additional funding in Sheffield Forgemasters, securing 700 existing skilled jobs and creating over 900 new construction roles.' More to follow …
The Independent
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Fin removed from submarine as disposal reaches ‘significant marker'
A 'significant marker' in the progress of a submarine dismantling initiative has been completed, as the first vessel to be stripped down had its fin cut and removed. The Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) submarine dismantling project announced on Wednesday that demonstrator sub Swiftsure has had its fin removed, a major milestone as the vessel prepares to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026. The work is the world's first full dismantling of a nuclear-powered submarine using a novel and environmentally-responsible method, and it is taking place in Rosyth Dockyard, Fife. The DNE said more than 500 tonnes of waste has been removed and recycled from the sub, and 90% of its total weight is expected to be recycled. With Swiftsure acting as a guinea pig, the DNE aims to develop a blueprint for the recycling of future decommissioned pressurised water reactor one subs. High quality steel taken from the first vessel is already being repurposed for future subs. The fin removal was delivered by the DNE alongside Babcock and Defence Equipment and Support's Defence Recycling and Disposals Team (DRDT). Lorraine Russell, senior responsible owner for the submarine disposals programme, said: 'The project showcases our commitment to sustainable disposal practices. 'By recycling materials wherever possible, we're ensuring these vessels that served the nation so well continue to provide value even after decommissioning.' Alistair Hughes, head of DRDT, said: 'This sustainable solution has shown how we can extract the maximum value from surplus assets and improve defence's supply-chain resilience, whilst ensuring national security and prosperity remains at the core of what we do.' Sir Chris Gardner, chief executive of the Submarine Delivery Agency, said: 'To see the fin of Swiftsure removed is a significant marker of progress in the DNE's submarine dismantling project. 'Our colleagues continue to work tirelessly alongside our industry partners in Rosyth to deliver a proven dismantling method using this demonstrator vessel. My thanks go to everyone involved in this ground-breaking work.' Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'This is another fantastic example of how world-leading Scottish expertise plays such a vital role in the UK's defence. 'Around 25,600 jobs across Scotland are supported by an annual multi-billion-pound Ministry of Defence investment – with 200 highly-skilled roles in Rosyth involved in the submarine dismantling project. 'National security and environmental responsibility are at the heart of our commitment to act as a responsible nuclear operator – a technology which will play a key role in the UK Royal Navy's submarine fleet keeping us safe for years to come. 'Just this week as part of the strategic defence review (SDR), the Prime Minister came to Scotland to announce up to 12 new nuclear-powered attack subs, building on the £15 billion investment set out for the UK's sovereign nuclear warhead programme. 'Scotland has always been at the beating heart of the UK's defence and security and the SDR will restore Britain's readiness, deter our adversaries and help drive economic growth across the UK, as part of our Plan for Change.'
North Wales Chronicle
04-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Fin removed from submarine as disposal reaches ‘significant marker'
The Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) submarine dismantling project announced on Wednesday that demonstrator sub Swiftsure has had its fin removed, a major milestone as the vessel prepares to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026. The work is the world's first full dismantling of a nuclear-powered submarine using a novel and environmentally-responsible method, and it is taking place in Rosyth Dockyard, Fife. The DNE said more than 500 tonnes of waste has been removed and recycled from the sub, and 90% of its total weight is expected to be recycled. With Swiftsure acting as a guinea pig, the DNE aims to develop a blueprint for the recycling of future decommissioned pressurised water reactor one subs. High quality steel taken from the first vessel is already being repurposed for future subs. The fin removal was delivered by the DNE alongside Babcock and Defence Equipment and Support's Defence Recycling and Disposals Team (DRDT). Lorraine Russell, senior responsible owner for the submarine disposals programme, said: 'The project showcases our commitment to sustainable disposal practices. 'By recycling materials wherever possible, we're ensuring these vessels that served the nation so well continue to provide value even after decommissioning.' Alistair Hughes, head of DRDT, said: 'This sustainable solution has shown how we can extract the maximum value from surplus assets and improve defence's supply-chain resilience, whilst ensuring national security and prosperity remains at the core of what we do.' Sir Chris Gardner, chief executive of the Submarine Delivery Agency, said: 'To see the fin of Swiftsure removed is a significant marker of progress in the DNE's submarine dismantling project. 'Our colleagues continue to work tirelessly alongside our industry partners in Rosyth to deliver a proven dismantling method using this demonstrator vessel. My thanks go to everyone involved in this ground-breaking work.' Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'This is another fantastic example of how world-leading Scottish expertise plays such a vital role in the UK's defence. 'Around 25,600 jobs across Scotland are supported by an annual multi-billion-pound Ministry of Defence investment – with 200 highly-skilled roles in Rosyth involved in the submarine dismantling project. 'National security and environmental responsibility are at the heart of our commitment to act as a responsible nuclear operator – a technology which will play a key role in the UK Royal Navy's submarine fleet keeping us safe for years to come. 'Just this week as part of the strategic defence review (SDR), the Prime Minister came to Scotland to announce up to 12 new nuclear-powered attack subs, building on the £15 billion investment set out for the UK's sovereign nuclear warhead programme. 'Scotland has always been at the beating heart of the UK's defence and security and the SDR will restore Britain's readiness, deter our adversaries and help drive economic growth across the UK, as part of our Plan for Change.'
Rhyl Journal
04-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Fin removed from submarine as disposal reaches ‘significant marker'
The Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) submarine dismantling project announced on Wednesday that demonstrator sub Swiftsure has had its fin removed, a major milestone as the vessel prepares to be fully dismantled by the end of 2026. The work is the world's first full dismantling of a nuclear-powered submarine using a novel and environmentally-responsible method, and it is taking place in Rosyth Dockyard, Fife. The DNE said more than 500 tonnes of waste has been removed and recycled from the sub, and 90% of its total weight is expected to be recycled. With Swiftsure acting as a guinea pig, the DNE aims to develop a blueprint for the recycling of future decommissioned pressurised water reactor one subs. High quality steel taken from the first vessel is already being repurposed for future subs. The fin removal was delivered by the DNE alongside Babcock and Defence Equipment and Support's Defence Recycling and Disposals Team (DRDT). Lorraine Russell, senior responsible owner for the submarine disposals programme, said: 'The project showcases our commitment to sustainable disposal practices. 'By recycling materials wherever possible, we're ensuring these vessels that served the nation so well continue to provide value even after decommissioning.' Alistair Hughes, head of DRDT, said: 'This sustainable solution has shown how we can extract the maximum value from surplus assets and improve defence's supply-chain resilience, whilst ensuring national security and prosperity remains at the core of what we do.' Sir Chris Gardner, chief executive of the Submarine Delivery Agency, said: 'To see the fin of Swiftsure removed is a significant marker of progress in the DNE's submarine dismantling project. 'Our colleagues continue to work tirelessly alongside our industry partners in Rosyth to deliver a proven dismantling method using this demonstrator vessel. My thanks go to everyone involved in this ground-breaking work.' Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'This is another fantastic example of how world-leading Scottish expertise plays such a vital role in the UK's defence. 'Around 25,600 jobs across Scotland are supported by an annual multi-billion-pound Ministry of Defence investment – with 200 highly-skilled roles in Rosyth involved in the submarine dismantling project. 'National security and environmental responsibility are at the heart of our commitment to act as a responsible nuclear operator – a technology which will play a key role in the UK Royal Navy's submarine fleet keeping us safe for years to come. 'Just this week as part of the strategic defence review (SDR), the Prime Minister came to Scotland to announce up to 12 new nuclear-powered attack subs, building on the £15 billion investment set out for the UK's sovereign nuclear warhead programme. 'Scotland has always been at the beating heart of the UK's defence and security and the SDR will restore Britain's readiness, deter our adversaries and help drive economic growth across the UK, as part of our Plan for Change.'
