(VOVworld) - The UK Ministry of Defense says a program to build nuclear-powered submarines will begin with an investment cost of 1.3 billion pounds (1.7 billion USD). The program will be carried out by defense firm BAE Systems to build 4 new Successor submarines, which will carry Trident missiles. BAE Systems said the first new submarine will be put into operation in early 2030.

Crew from HMS Vengeance, a British Royal Navy Vanguard class Trident Ballistic Missile Submarine, stand on their vessel as they return along the Clyde river to the Faslane naval base near Glasgow, Scotland December 4, 2006. (REUTERS)