The UK to revive nuclear fuel production for defense

24 November, 2024 HMS Vanguard nuclear submarine. Photo credits: Royal Navy The United Kingdom plans to revive production of its own nuclear fuel for military purposes.

The UK Defence Journal reported on this. Defense Secretary John Healey announced the UK's plan to explore options for restoring the nuclear fuel cycle for defense purposes. This initiative, part of the ongoing modernization of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, includes steps toward engaging with industry partners to assess how best to meet the requirements of this program.

"The UK is exploring options to re-establish a nuclear-fuel cycle for reactor fuel for defense purposes. The Government is committed to modernizing defense nuclear-fuel production under the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. We are commencing engagement with industry to develop options for delivering this requirement," Healey explained.

At the same time, he also clarified that the project only involves the production of nuclear fuel for reactors. He also clarified that the project would respect the UK's voluntary moratorium on the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons, a policy in place since 1995.

Illustration of the Dreadnought-class strategic nuclear-powered submarine

Thus, it refers to resuming fuel production for the reactors of nuclear submarines such as Vanguard, Astute, and Dreadnought.

Currently, the UK does not produce fuel for offshore nuclear reactors. If necessary, it is purchased from the United States. The Defence Nuclear Enterprise is the network of organizations responsible for the upkeep and operation of the UK's nuclear deterrent and submarine forces.

DNE coordinates various entities to ensure that submarines, supporting infrastructure, and specialized personnel are maintained to meet defense standards. As part of the modernization of its nuclear deterrent, the United Kingdom is also working on a new type of nuclear warhead to replace the outdated Mk4/A. The new Astraea A21/Mk7 warhead will replace the Mk4/A, which has been in service since 1994 and is based on the US W76 design.

US Navy Trident 2 D5 ballistic missile.

2018.

Photo credits: U.S.

Department of Defense

Mk4/A warheads are currently mounted on Trident II D5 missiles equipped with Vanguard-class submarines and are the only deployed type of nuclear weapon in the United Kingdom.