The UK has begun the process of scrapping the nuclear submarine HMS Swiftsure, which spent hours under the Russian aircraft carrier Kyiv at the height of the Cold War and collected valuable data

Three decades after decommissioning, the UK still moved forward with the process of scrapping the nuclear submarine HMS Swiftsure. The submarine was retired in 1992.

Here's What We Know

The disposal of the submarine is being handled by the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) and Babcock. HMS Swiftsure has been docked in Rosyth, Scotland for 30 years. This is where the dismantling and disposal of the nuclear engine will take place.

One nuance is important to note in this story. The UK is using HMS Swiftsure as an example to test new recycling technology - 90% of components will be sent for recycling or reused.

Full utilisation of HMS Swiftsure is scheduled for 2026. After that, specialists will start getting rid of the second submarine. In total, the UK has more than 20 nuclear submarines in storage. The number grew after mass write-offs at the end of the last century.

The UK launched a scrapping project 19 years ago but has made little progress since. Some submarines are now more than 60 years old. The oldest is HMS Dreadnought (62 years old). In addition, some of the submarines still have fuel on board. The complete scrapping of all submarines built between 1960 and 1990 is planned by 2060.

Returning to HMS Swiftsure, it should be noted that this submarine spent several hours under the Russian aircraft carrier Kyiv at the height of the Cold War. She was able to stealthily pass frigates and destroyers in the Barents Sea. HMS Swiftsure recorded valuable acoustic characteristics and took several photographs of the aircraft carrier's hull.

Source: SDA