actually, and serious answer coming up....

its estimated by Janes Defence that we need 4 nuclear subs minimum to satisfactoraly cover the UKs territorial waters.... trident is required to get the range - ie the missile has enough coverage so that only 4 subs are required for a complete 360 degree coverage.

Labour say they will have 3 subs....leaving a bit of a gap.... the greens/snp say zero subs - no defence coverage around the UK at all apart from "rapid deployment" conventional weapons ships - which cant instantly get anywhere fast and have short range weapons...

you see, as soon as you use the term "nuclear" for a weapon everyone thiks "hiroshima" - when actually the nuclear power is required for longer range - its the warhead option that determines payload.

you're welcome.

Posted By: Cheltenham_Canary, Apr 20, 16:47:29