Scientists join debate about upgrading the UK's nuclear deterrent

The UK government, which consists of a coalition between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, is split on how to handle the future of the UK's nuclear deterrent. Currently the system consists of 58 nuclear-armed Trident II D-5 ballistic missiles that are carried on four Vanguard-class submarines. One submarine remains on patrol at all times.

Each Trident missile contains between three and ten nuclear warheads that have a yield between 10 and 100 kilotons. Under the previous Labour government's plan, three of the four submarines would be replaced in the early 2020s.

In the run-up to this year's general election, the Liberal Democrats campaigned on getting rid of the Trident system, whereas the Conservatives supported upgrading and modernizing the UK's nuclear deterrent.

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