Britain's new nuclear submarines face glitches as the US boats fitted with same missile tubes have been found to have cracks.

Faulty welding found in the missile tubes of the new US Columbia Class nuclear-armed submarines could delay the future deliver of British Dreadnought boats.

Seven of 12 tubes on the $122.3 billion programme were found to be in need of repair when delivered to General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB), the lead contractor. An investigation has been launched into the work, carried out by the company BWXT Incorporated.

Questions have been asked as to whether the whole US Columbia Class programme will be delayed. The US Navy says it is vital the faults are rectified in order to allow the ageing Ohio Class submarines to be withdrawn from service.

The US Naval Sea Systems Command spokesman said the Columbia programme should not be adversely affected, but said the impact on the Royal Navy’s Dreadnought programme was “less clear”.

“Impacts to the delivery of missile tubes to the UK will be assessed upon completion of GDEB’s efforts to define and scope next steps,” the spokesman said.