Clarke says the later submarine orders being debated were already expected in 2028. He links that timing to the priority given to building the Dreadnought submarines. His explanation traces the pressure back through fires and other Astute construction problems to delays that left the Vanguard boats in difficulty. This is his account of the programme sequence, with no revised contract or delivery schedule set out.
Notable Point · 2:19:45-2:21:10
How Dreadnought construction constrains later submarine orders
A criticism of submarine-order delays is answered through Dreadnought construction priorities and pressure on the Vanguard fleet.