The argument links Astute cost growth to interruptions in the construction sequence. Boats laid down in 2001, 2003 and 2005 are followed by a four-year gap to 2009, while another long gap separates the 2013 and 2018 boats. An additional start in 2015 is suggested as one opportunity, with 2017 and 2019 also considered in a more ambitious alternative schedule. The immediate fleet in March 2026 would still face limitations because extra submarines would take years to complete. The claimed benefit is a stronger stream of boats approaching service afterwards and improved force generation. These are proposed alternative schedules, with the transition to Dreadnought construction treated as the limiting yard commitment.
Notable Point · 2:33:18-2:35:37
The gaps in Astute construction and the case for extra boats
The extra-Astute counterfactual rests on filling interruptions in construction before Dreadnought work occupied the yard.