§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why they are now content that only two Trident submarines should be deployed until 1998.
Earl HoweWe have long planned for a period during the transition from Polaris to Trident when our strategic deterrent would be provided by two Trident submarines alone. As the two boats have newly entered service they are capable of maintaining continuous deterrent patrols until VIGILANT enters service in 1998. A four-boat Trident submarine fleet is necessary to guarantee continuous deterrent patrols throughout the planned 25-year life of the submarines, which includes periods for refit.