Fact Check: The UK plans to construct up to 12 SSN-AUKUS attack submarines by the end of the decade as part of the AUKUS agreement.

Fact Check: The UK Plans to Construct Up to 12 SSN-AUKUS Attack Submarines

What We Know

The UK government has officially announced plans to build "up to 12 new attack submarines" as part of the AUKUS agreement. This announcement was made during the unveiling of a major defence review, which emphasizes the need to enhance the UK's military capabilities in response to increasing global threats, particularly from Russia (UK Government, BBC). The new submarines, known as SSN-AUKUS, will replace the existing fleet of seven Astute-class submarines starting from the late 2030s (UK Government, BBC).

The UK’s commitment to this submarine program is part of a broader £15 billion investment aimed at enhancing its nuclear capabilities and ensuring national security (UK Government). The government has stated that this initiative will not only bolster military readiness but also create approximately 30,000 skilled jobs across the country (UK Government).

Analysis

The claim that the UK plans to construct up to 12 SSN-AUKUS attack submarines is supported by multiple credible sources, including official government announcements and reputable news outlets. The UK government's own press release details the strategic necessity for this expansion in response to evolving threats (UK Government). Additionally, the BBC corroborates this information, confirming that the submarines will be built to replace the aging Astute-class fleet (BBC).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they originate from official government communications and established media outlets. The UK Government's website is a primary source of information regarding national defense policy, while the BBC is known for its journalistic integrity and fact-checking standards.

Moreover, the SSN-AUKUS program is also referenced in defense analysis articles, which discuss the implications of this submarine construction on the UK's military capabilities and industrial capacity (Janes, Naval Today). These analyses further reinforce the claim by detailing the expected timelines and industrial commitments involved in the construction process.

Conclusion

The claim that the UK plans to construct up to 12 SSN-AUKUS attack submarines by the end of the decade as part of the AUKUS agreement is True. This conclusion is based on multiple credible sources, including official government statements and reputable news reports, all of which confirm the UK’s commitment to expanding its submarine fleet in response to growing security threats.

Fact Check: The UK plans to construct up to 12 SSN-AUKUS attack submarines by the end of the decade as part of the AUKUS agreement.