The Cold War between the Western and Soviet blocs was a catalyst for the development of internet technology, nuclear weapons, GPS, stealth aircraft, space exploration and more. To ensure that the UK was not attacked by the Soviets during the Cold War, the Trafalgar-class submarines were built in the 80s. After operating for almost 34 years, HMS Triumph, one of the Trafalgar-class ships, was officially decommissioned this week.
HMS Triumph ended its operations yesterday as it was the last ship of its class to operate in the UK Royal Navy. A total of seven were launched between 1983 and 1991, each of which was nuclear-powered and developed specifically for the purpose of hunting enemy submarines.
Triumph, launched in 1991, was involved in missions to attack Afghanistan and Libya using Tomahawk missiles. With a decommissioning ceremony held yesterday in Devonport, England, Triumph is now retired with its sister ships Trafalgar, Turbulent, Tireless, Torbay, Trenchant, and Talent.
With the Trafalgar class submarines no longer in service, they have been replaced by the larger, more powerful, modern and nuclear-powered Astute class submarines. This class of submarines can sail without refueling for 25 years. They only need to dock every 90 days for food supplies.
The Cold War may have ended more than 30 years ago, but it has been replaced by tensions with Russia and China that ensure the arms race continues.