29-06-09 U.K. Considers Nuclear Deterrent Alternatives

Faced with a looming budget cut,the British Defense Ministry is considering alternatives to the $33 billion plan to replace the nation's nuclear deterrent within 15 years,the London Telegraph reported Saturday.Prime Minister Gordon Brown this fall might announce a less-expensive plan than the existing program of replacement of the United Kingdom's four nuclear-armed submarines and related work,sources told the newspaper.The announcement could bolster the Labor Party leader's efforts to remain in office amid a challenge from the Conservative Party.The Defense Ministry and other government agencies are looking at funding reductions of 10 percent following the next general election,which would occur no later than next June."Everything is under review and that includes Trident," one defense source said.Among the options being studied is spending significantly less on the new vessels while trying to maintain their nuclear warheads for up to 50 to 60 years,rather than the expected 30 to 35 years.Other ideas,such as preparing an aircraft to carry a nuclear weapon or fielding silo-based nuclear missiles, remain "on the table," sources said.However,ground-based weapons might not be able to reach North Korea.The threat posed by Pyongyang,which in recent years has conducted two nuclear tests and a series of missile launches,is "even more serious than people realize," the defense source said.Responding to reports in British newspapers,the Defense Ministry emphasized the importance of the nuclear deterrent,Reuters reported today."We believe that the investment in a capability of such vital importance is one that as a nation we can and should afford," a spokesman said in a prepared statement