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Royal Navy Keeps Three Vanguard Submarines on Patrol

By Drooid · Oct 28, 2026, 14:46 UTC · How we work

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The Royal Navy currently has three Vanguard-class ballistic-missile submarines operating at sea.
Analysts say the three-sub deployment is routine and involves no nuclear weapons.
One boat continues the At-Sea Deterrent patrol while a second readies to relieve it.
A third submarine is conducting sea trials.
HMS Victorious entered Devonport’s £560 million deep-maintenance program extending service into the 2030s after a record 205-day patrol ended April 2026.

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Story summary

The Royal Navy currently has three Vanguard-class ballistic-missile submarines operating at sea.
Analysts say the three-sub deployment is routine and involves no nuclear weapons.
One boat continues the At-Sea Deterrent patrol while a second readies to relieve it.
A third submarine is conducting sea trials.
HMS Victorious entered Devonport’s £560 million deep-maintenance program extending service into the 2030s after a record 205-day patrol ended April 2026.