Constantly at Sea Nuclear Sub Deterrent 'Overkill' 31.01.14
12Britain could still maintain a credible nuclear deterrent while cutting back its Trident submarine force, according to a new analysis.
A report published by the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) military think tank argues the UK does not need to have at least one nuclear missile submarine always at sea to be sure of deterring a nuclear attack.
Ending the so-called continuous-at-sea-deterrent (CASD) would mean the Royal Navy's Trident submarine fleet could be scaled back saving billions of pounds, the paper said.
The Conservatives are currently committed to a like-for-like replacement for the existing four-boat fleet needed to maintain round-the-clock patrols - at an estimated cost of £20 billion - if they win the next general election, while Labour also supports CASD.
However, following a review of the options for renewing the deterrent last year, the Liberal Democrats said that in the post-Cold War era, CASD was no longer necessary and they would only build three new submarines.
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Picture: Crown Copyright / Royal Navy