Three of Britain’s four nuclear submarines put to sea at once

Three of Britain’s four nuclear-powered submarines are currently at sea. According to a British broadcaster, the deployment is unusual and is likely to be noticed by both Britain’s adversaries and its NATO allies. The specific reason is not yet known.

“It is very unusual to suddenly have three submarines at sea at once,” said the channel’s defence and security editor. She says it has been more than five years since three boats were out at the same time.

Britain normally keeps just one submarine at sea on patrol. A continuous presence of at least one Trident-armed boat is the cornerstone of Britain’s nuclear deterrent and one of the country’s main security guarantees.

The boats can have different tasks: one may be preparing to take over the patrol, while others undergo trials after maintenance or repairs. The fourth, HMS Victorious, is in dock for maintenance at the Devonport naval base. In the broadcaster’s view, a change to the usual routine could also be a signal to adversaries.

The news comes as the British Foreign Office has warned of a possible escalation in the Middle East and updated its travel advice for several countries.

Around Prague, based on reporting by novinky.cz