Dreadnought construction and what laying down means

How is the Dreadnought programme progressing, and is construction on time?

It appears to be progressing satisfactorily. The milestones need careful interpretation because substantial sections are built before official laying down.

The programme appears to be progressing reasonably well at this point. Dreadnought's official laying-down date is given as 2025, with Valiant expected in 2027 if the schedule holds. Warspite's date is less certain, with 2029 or 2030 suggested. Steel cutting for the fourth boat took place on schedule in 2025, leaving its laying down further ahead. British yards build substantial sections before bringing them together in the main hall. Dreadnought's nine years between steel cutting and official laying down therefore do not imply nine years at an initial construction stage. The latter milestone marks major module assembly.