The Royal Navy’s Polaris submarines, also known as the Resolution-class, were a series of four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines that served as the United Kingdom’s primary nuclear deterrent from the late 1960s to the 1990s. Here are the names of the Polaris submarines:
The Names of the Polaris Submarines
The four Polaris submarines were named after famous British monarchs and statesmen:
- HMS Resolution (S22): The first Polaris submarine, commissioned in 1967, was named after the ship commanded by Captain James Cook during his second voyage of discovery (1772-1775).
- HMS Repulse (S23): The second Polaris submarine, commissioned in 1968, was named after the HMS Repulse, a British battleship sunk by Japanese aircraft during World War II.
- HMS Renown (S26): The third Polaris submarine, commissioned in 1969, was named after the HMS Renown, a British battleship that served during both World Wars.
- HMS Revenge (S27): The fourth and final Polaris submarine, commissioned in 1969, was named after the HMS Revenge, a British battleship that served during World War I and World War II.
The Role of the Polaris Submarines
The Polaris submarines played a crucial role in the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent during the Cold War era. Each submarine was equipped with 16 Polaris missiles, which were capable of delivering nuclear warheads to targets thousands of miles away. The submarines were designed to operate undetected, providing a secure second-strike capability in the event of a nuclear attack on the UK.
Design and Construction
The Polaris submarines were designed and built by Vickers-Armstrongs at their shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. Each submarine was approximately 425 feet (130 meters) long and displaced around 7,500 tons of water. They were powered by a single nuclear reactor and had a top speed of over 20 knots (23 mph).
| Ship | Commissioned | Decommissioned |
|---|---|---|
| HMS Resolution (S22) | 1967 | 1994 |
| HMS Repulse (S23) | 1968 | 1996 |
| HMS Renown (S26) | 1969 | 1996 |
| HMS Revenge (S27) | 1969 | 1992 |
Legacy of the Polaris Submarines
The Polaris submarines played a significant role in maintaining the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent during the Cold War era. Although they are no longer in service, their legacy lives on in the form of their successors, the Vanguard-class submarines, which continue to serve as the UK’s nuclear deterrent to this day.
🚨 Note: The Polaris submarines were eventually replaced by the Vanguard-class submarines, which were equipped with the Trident missile system. The Vanguard-class submarines are currently being replaced by the Dreadnought-class submarines, which are expected to enter service in the late 2020s.
The Polaris submarines served the United Kingdom for over two decades, providing a secure and reliable nuclear deterrent during a period of heightened global tension. Their legacy continues to shape the UK’s nuclear policy and its commitment to maintaining a strong and effective nuclear deterrent.
What was the primary role of the Polaris submarines?
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The primary role of the Polaris submarines was to serve as the United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent during the Cold War era.
How many Polaris submarines were built?
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Four Polaris submarines were built: HMS Resolution, HMS Repulse, HMS Renown, and HMS Revenge.
What replaced the Polaris submarines?
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The Polaris submarines were replaced by the Vanguard-class submarines, which were equipped with the Trident missile system.
Related Terms:
- Ssgn submarine
- Dreadnought class submarine
- Vanguard class submarine
- Submarine wiki
- Submarine class
- USS Columbia class
