Submarine dock capacity and fragmented Astute construction

British attack-submarine procurement is criticised for failing to provide the required dry-dock capacity. Astute construction difficulties are also linked to gaps between batches and substantial design differences. The boats are described as having less in common across batches than expected. A larger programme of twelve boats, arranged in two batches of six or three batches of four, is proposed as an alternative. The stated aims are greater commonality and enough submarines for the Navy's needs.