Should the UK replace its Nuclear Deterrent?

The UK's Nuclear Deterrent is currently in the shape of 4 Trident Class Nuclear Submarines.

The subs and missile systems are due for replacement sometime in the 2020's but development their replacements could take approx 15 years.

So, as we are just starting to emerge from a worldwide recession, can we afford the Govt estimated bill of £15bn - £20bn to replace the Trident fleet?

We are already committed to a £5bn spend (up from the estimated £3.9bn) for 2 new carriers, which will give the UK a much better military capability, where airpower or miltary muscle can be projected around the world, in support of remote conflicts that we seem to have more of

But do we still need such a large a Nuclear capability? Isn't the dark days of the cold war over, with Russian and US Missles being pointed at each other? Lets face it, it would never be used without co-operation of the US.

There may be fears of Iraninan or North Korean Nuclear development, so can't we keep a low cost alternative, maybe airborne delivered, so we retain skill, expertise and capability but without incredbily expensive weapon systems? May be we rent some kit, or pay the US an amount to maintain a NATO deterrent. Does the UK really need its own ability to destroy the globe?

Somehow I suspect Govt estimates of £20bn to slide to more like £30bn, and that could pay a big chunk off our overdraft at UK PLC

Thoughts...?

__________________
cheers
Steve

Online Marketing | Free USA Business Directory | My Local Blog | Jobs Vitae

Forum Rules FAQ's & Help

If you're here to spam, then expect a ban Copy & Paste monkeys - we're watching you!

you cant put a price on freedom. if we are to remain as a supoerpower then we need nuclear weapons. otherwise we wont be taken seriously by the US, Russia China nad even India.

I'm afraid the UK hasn't been classed as a super power for quite some time. We handed the mantle of Global Policeman to the US after WWII, which had left our economy in tatters as well as dealing with the end of the Empire.

London is one of the worlds largest financial centres, isn't that the way to be taken seriously?

__________________
cheers
Steve

Online Marketing | Free USA Business Directory | My Local Blog | Jobs Vitae

Forum Rules FAQ's & Help

If you're here to spam, then expect a ban Copy & Paste monkeys - we're watching you!

wake up, theres only one superpower in town. Weve all had our day, Chinas back in the house