The UK government has confirmed that it plans to build up to 12 SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered attack submarines, reinforcing its commitment to modernizing the Royal Navy and strengthening the AUKUS strategic partnership with the United States and Australia.
Construction of the first vessel is scheduled to begin next year, with the first steel being cut at the shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness.
The new submarines, known in the UK as SSN-A, will gradually replace the current fleet of seven Astute-class submarines from the late 2030s onward. Equipped with nuclear propulsion and conventional weapons, they are expected to form the backbone of the UK’s undersea warfare capability for decades to come.
The project also plays a central role in AUKUS, as Australia will use the same design to develop its future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. In addition to planning to build up to five boats domestically, Canberra will also acquire three Virginia-class submarines from the United States to maintain its operational capability during the transition period.
In addition to submarine production, the British plan includes expanding the industrial facilities responsible for building the vessels and their nuclear reactors, with the goal of completing one new submarine every 18 months. The program is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and will be complemented by investments in underwater drones, artificial intelligence, and other advanced technologies included in the second pillar of the AUKUS partnership.
The first SSN-AUKUS submarine will begin construction at Barrow in Furness next year, the first of “at least” 12 boats in class.
To support the Submarine Service, 3 floating drydocks will be built for Faslane under Project Euston, delivery date is unknown.
— UK Forces Tracker (@UKForcesTracker) July 1, 2026
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Source: UK Defence Journal | Photos: Royal Navy | This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
