Fallon announces investment in submarine training school

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has announced the approval of a £4 million investment in the building of a single UK hub for Royal Navy’s submarine service at HMNB Clyde.

According to a statement from the ministry of Defence (MoD), HM Treasury has approved the Initial Gate Business Case for the new submarine school to be built at

Scotland’s largest military establishment, with the final design approval is expected soon, which will allow work to begin later this year.

The new schools will provide academic and technical training for all Royal Naval personnel entering the submarine service from 2022. All 11 Royal Navy submarines will be based at HMNB Clyde from 2020, seeing the number of people employed at the base will rise from 6,800 people to 8,200.

The school will also support the Astute hunter killer submarines, as well as the delivery of training for the new Dreadnought nuclear deterrent boats, which provide the UK with its continuous nuclear deterrent.

Fallon said: “We are now making a long-term investment of hundreds of millions of pounds to improve and upgrade the waterfront at Clyde to make sure it is ready to support the United Kingdom’s whole submarine fleet.

“As well as a boost to the Scottish economy, this will also bring welcome stability for our personnel, who work hard to help keep Britain safe and secure.

Head of the Submarine Service, Rear Admiral John Weale said: “Our new single integrated operating base will make significant improvements to the work-life balance of our 5,000 submariners.

“By putting our boats and training in one place, our submariners can put down roots in Scotland knowing that they are no longer required to commute from one end of the country to another.”