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Astute Class
Region
United Kingdom
Category
Marine
The UK RN’s Astute-class SSN programme is still only halfway to completion and has suffered significant cost increases and delays. However, the boats offer a significant capability increase over the earlier Trafalgar-class and Swiftsur e-class SSNs. A contract was awarded in 1997, but the first boat did not enter service until 2010. Five have been commissioned, with the last two to be delivered before 2026. Powered by a nuclear reactor, the boats have a 25-year lifespan without being
refuelled.