Which European navy could add SSNs?

Which additional European country is most likely to build or buy nuclear-powered attack submarines?

Italy is the panel's leading candidate because of its wider ambitions. Sweden and Germany have relevant building capability, but any SSN program would also need the facilities and skills to sustain the boats.

Sweden, Germany, and Italy are identified as countries with relevant submarine-building capability. Italy is judged the most likely to pursue SSNs because of its interest in wider global roles. Germany's force is described as oriented toward the Baltic, where the reply sees less advantage in nuclear propulsion, rather than already pursuing a North Atlantic submarine role. Buying a submarine would still require the ability to sustain it. AUKUS is used to explain why the cost includes building support facilities and skills, with Australia's Collins-class support described as having been allowed to atrophy. Another contributor raises Australia's limited civilian nuclear experience, while the precise number and type of existing research reactors remain uncertain in the exchange.