UK's attack submarine fleet out of operation for maintenance

Britain's entire fleet of attack submarines is currently out of operation due to repair and maintenance work, it has been reported.

Seven submarines are classed as non-operational. Picture: SWNS

Seven nuclear-powered vessels, including three new Astute class submarines, which cost more than £1 billion each, and four Trafalgar class boats are all currently classed as non-operational, according to a national newspaper.

The UK’s Vanguard submarines, which carry Trident nuclear missiles, are in operation but according to the publication it is the first time in decades the Royal Navy has no attack submarines ready.

Five of the submarines are having refits or maintenance after breaking down, while HMS Ambush has been recalled for repairs after colliding with a merchant vessel in Gibraltar.

The remaining attack submarine, HMS Astute is having trials at sea following maintenance work, and is weeks away from being operational for missions, according to the report.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: “We don’t comment on specific submarine operations. Britain has a world-class fleet, the Royal Navy continues to meet all of its operational tasking, deploying globally on operations and protecting our national interests as Britain steps up around the world.”

The Astute class vessels are the most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy.

They weigh around 7,400 tonnes, equivalent to nearly 1,000 double-decker buses, and are 328ft long.

Armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, advanced stealth technology means the Barrow-built vessels can remain undetected despite being 50 per cent larger than the Trafalgar class submarines they will replace.

Their nuclear reactors will not need refuelling in their 
25-year life and they make air and water, enabling them to circumnavigate the globe without needing to surface.

The news follows last month’s revelation that a test firing of a Trident missile by the Royal Navy off the coast of America last June failed.

Last night an MoD source cast doubt on the claims. “There are operational, capable and ready attack submarines,” they said.“Where they might be is clearly sensitive operational information that the MoD will not comment on.”