A promise to build up to twelve SSN-AUKUS submarines gives a maximum rather than a committed production quantity. A substantially smaller fleet would still satisfy that wording. Without a firm number and construction period, the programme cannot be costed from the headline alone. The plan also says steel will be cut on the first boat the following year, a milestone whose delivery remains to be seen.
Notable Point · 1:45:26-1:46:12
An SSN-AUKUS ceiling leaves the actual order undefined
The SSN-AUKUS promise leaves a committed quantity and construction duration unspecified, with the first production milestone still ahead.