Few of us have any real grasp of what goes in to constructing a nuclear submarine and those who do are sworn to secrecy.

Indeed, BAE Systems describes the process as 'exciting, complex and challenging' as any engineering project anywhere in the world.

The design and construction of the Astute class is 'more complex' than the space shuttle, it says.

In other words, we have 'better than NASA' technology developed right here on our doorstep.

Not the Florida coast, but the Furness peninsula, with more jobs in the pipeline.

When you are making a defence system capable of navigating 25,000 miles underwater without surfacing, setbacks are inevitable and crew safety must be paramount.

Quite how much this delay has added to the overall cost has not been revealed, but contingencies are always built-in to projects of this magnitude.

The fact that this work is done in this town, with all the opportunities and income that brings, continues to be a major achievement.

This is an area justifiably proud of its maritime heritage and manufacturing history.

Yes, these weapons systems are capable of hitting targets 625-miles away and have their detractors.

But they continue to keep these islands safe whether we agree or not.