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How many subs are usually at sea?

The UK operates a continuous at-sea deterrent (CASD), meaning at least one Vanguard submarine is always on patrol, ready to launch Trident missiles. This ensures a constant nuclear response capability, even if the UK were attacked first. The current situation, with three at sea, is unusual, as one is typically undergoing maintenance or training.

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Three of UK's Four Nuclear Submarines at Sea at Once

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