Submarines
The modernisation of the Royal Navy's submarine force centres on the Astute-class SSNs and the Swiftsure & Trafalgar Update Final Phase (S&TUFP). In 1997, an order was placed for three units of the Astute class, which was designed as the SSN replacement for the Swiftsure class, with an option for a further two. The fourth boat was ordered in 2007, with boats number 5 and 6 being authorised in April 2010. Eight boats were the official target until 2008; now the MOD officially plans to acquire seven Astute-class submarines: it remains to be seen if this target will be maintained and reached despite the high demands on defence spending. The Defence Industrial Strategy states that a 24 month build drumbeat is needed to maintain the long-term viability of the nuclear submarine building business in the UK.
In the 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the UK Government reaffirmed its intention to procure 7 Astute'- class submarines.
Read more about this topic: Future Of The Royal Navy