The British used glue to fix the nuclear-powered Trident cruiser HMS Vanguard, which can carry nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles

The British Royal Navy has launched an investigation into allegations that a strategic missile cruiser such as HMS Vanguard was repaired with glue. The improper repairs were discovered after one bolt fell off during an inspection of the submarine.

Here's What We Know

Britain has four Vanguard-class nuclear submarines in service. The 150-metre HMS Vanguard submarine went in for repairs in 2015. It emerged that excessive force during tightening had caused the bolt heads to tear off. Instead of replacing them with new ones, engineers from contractor Babcock attached the damaged heads with glue.

These were used to provide insulation on the tubes of the nuclear reactor cooling system. The torn bolts were discovered a day before the nuclear reactor was tested to full power. The UK Military Prosecutor's Office is now trying to establish when the failure occurred and who must ultimately be held responsible.

The UK Ministry of Defence made no hard comments. The ministry noted that the submarine HMS Vanguard was found to be defective while the cruiser was in dry dock. The problem was reported immediately and was rectified. In addition, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace met with the head of Babcock to seek assurances regarding future work.

Note that Babcock is the UK Ministry of Defence's second largest contractor. The company has been awarded several billion pounds for the maintenance of the missile cruisers Astute and Vanguard.

HMS Vanguard is one of four Vanguard class submarines alongside HMS Vigilant, HMS Victorious and HMS Vengeance. They are equipped with Trident intercontinental ballistic missiles that can carry nuclear warheads. They will be succeeded in 2028 by Dreadnought class submarines that will also carry Trident missiles.

Source: The Sun