A government can defer a difficult capacity decision by betting that either the threat will recede or a later administration will inherit the consequences. The proposed hedge is to order conventional submarines at the same time as the uncrewed vehicles. The crewed boats would provide proven capability and cover the shortage while the new system matured. Uncrewed vessels could then offer the quickest way to expand numbers, although they might still require a dock ship such as a Bay-class auxiliary for support. This mixed approach costs more at the outset but protects national industry and security against technological or schedule failure. The platform choice becomes a lesson about procurement risk, political incentives, and maintaining options.
Notable Point · 47:34-50:37
Conventional submarines as a hedge while uncrewed systems mature
Buying proven conventional submarines alongside experimental uncrewed vessels would protect near-term capacity from an immature technology slipping behind schedule.