Small reactors and nuclear surface warships

Will advanced small reactors lead more navies to build nuclear-powered surface ships?

Possibly in a later generation, but high initial cost and political resistance make widespread adoption unlikely soon.

Technical possibility and procurement likelihood are separate. Small reactors may improve, but their capital cost and national reluctance to expand naval nuclear propulsion remain decisive. Existing fleets largely confine reactors to submarines, carriers, Russian Kirov-class ships, and icebreakers. Fuel-price advantages therefore do not yet outweigh the institutional, training, and acquisition burden of adding reactors to ordinary escorts.