That’s also my understanding.
I did read one article that said the PWR3 cannot be downsized to fit into the Astute’s hull - if that’s the case, then I can’t see any more Astutes being built.
Any additional RN SSN’s will have to be SSNR’s but by the time they start getting them into the water (after the Dreadnought SSBNs have been completed), the first of the Astutes will be retiring.
Last edited by Going Boeing; 25th Jan 2022 at 22:21.