The United Kingdom has announced plans to re-establish its domestic production of nuclear fuel for defense purposes, marking a significant step in modernizing its Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE). According to the UK Defence Journal, this move aims to enhance the country’s capabilities in maintaining its nuclear deterrent and submarine forces.
John Healey, the UK’s Defence Secretary, detailed the initiative, highlighting the government’s focus on developing a new nuclear-fuel cycle specifically for reactor fuel. “The UK is exploring options to re-establish a nuclear-fuel cycle for reactor fuel for defense purposes. The Government is committed to modernizing defense nuclear-fuel production under the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. We are commencing engagement with industry to develop options for delivering this requirement,” Healey stated.
Healey also emphasized that the project strictly pertains to nuclear reactor fuel production and does not involve creating fissile material for nuclear weapons. The UK continues to uphold its voluntary moratorium on the production of such materials, a commitment in place since 1995.
This initiative primarily targets the resumption of nuclear fuel production for reactors used in submarines, including the Vanguard, Astute, and Dreadnought classes. Currently, the UK relies on imports from the United States for fuel needed in offshore nuclear reactors.
The Defence Nuclear Enterprise is a comprehensive network overseeing the upkeep and operation of the UK’s nuclear deterrent and submarine forces. It integrates various entities to ensure that submarines, infrastructure, and specialized personnel meet the country’s defense standards.
Alongside fuel production efforts, the UK is working on developing a new nuclear warhead to replace the aging Mk4/A, which has been operational since 1994. The proposed Astraea A21/Mk7 warhead will succeed the Mk4/A, which is based on the US W76 design. These warheads are currently mounted on Trident II D5 missiles aboard Vanguard-class submarines and remain the sole deployed nuclear weapon in the UK.
