Originally Posted by
Going Boeing
I think that the RN needs additional Astutes in these uncertain times as 7 boats is insufficient to have a presence where the UK has global interests. They may be gearing up to build more of them along side of the Dreadnought assembly. Additional spares is definitely a possibility to support the current Astutes if their utilisation has to be significantly increased.
Also take into account astute will only have about 10 years left of its programmed life left when agincourt commissions into fleet