Global Security Newswire

A British ballistic missile submarine has sailed back to its home port at Faslane in Scotland following a nearly four-year refurbishment program, the Press Association reported on Tuesday (see GSN, March 26).

During work at the Plymouth shipyard, the Vanguard-class HMS Vigilant received a new atomic reactor core and enhanced armaments.

Refurbishment activities began in fall 2008 and included ocean testing and other assessments since November 2010. Last week, the submarine was formally returned to the Royal Navy for deterrence patrols.

The Vigilant is one of a four ballistic missile submarine fleet that together comprise the British nuclear deterrent. The vessels are outfitted with Trident missiles loaded with nuclear warheads (Cordelia O'Neill, Press Association, June 26).