HMS Vanguard (S28) is the **lead boat of the Vanguard-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines** (SSBNs) of the Royal Navy, built by Vickers Shipbuilding at Barrow-in-Furness, launched in March 1992, and commissioned in August 1993. As the largest submarines ever constructed for the UK, displacing nearly 16,000 tonnes submerged, they form the sole platform for Britain's continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, each capable of carrying up to 16 Trident II D5 missiles with multiple warheads, alongside Spearfish torpedoes for self-defence. Based at HMNB Clyde in Faslane, Scotland, Vanguard underwent a prolonged seven-year deep maintenance and refuelling period, returning to service in 2022 with rededication that year and operational patrols resuming in 2023.
