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

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

What We Know

The UK government has officially announced plans to build "up to 12" new attack submarines, known as SSN-AUKUS, as part of the AUKUS agreement. This decision was revealed during the unveiling of a major Strategic Defence Review aimed at addressing increasing global threats, particularly from Russia (UK Government, BBC). The new submarines are expected to replace the current fleet of seven Astute-class submarines starting in the late 2030s (UK Government, 6).

The UK is also committing £15 billion to support its nuclear warhead programme, which is part of a broader strategy to enhance national security and military readiness (UK Government, 4). The construction of these submarines is expected to significantly boost the UK’s submarine building industry and create approximately 30,000 skilled jobs across the country (UK Government, 5).

Analysis

The announcement regarding the construction of up to 12 SSN-AUKUS submarines is corroborated by multiple reliable sources, including government statements and major news outlets like the BBC. The UK government’s official release outlines the strategic necessity for this expansion, citing the need to deter growing threats and enhance national security (UK Government).

The credibility of the sources is strong, as the information comes directly from government announcements and established media reporting. The BBC, for instance, is known for its rigorous journalistic standards and has reported on the implications of the Strategic Defence Review and the planned submarine construction (BBC). Additionally, the Defence Secretary's comments further validate the government's commitment to this initiative (8).

Critically, while there is a consensus on the plans, the timeline for the actual deployment of these submarines extends into the late 2030s. This means that while the announcement is definitive, the construction and operational readiness will take several years, which is an important detail for understanding the immediate impact of this decision.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the UK plans to construct up to 12 SSN-AUKUS attack submarines by the end of this decade as part of the AUKUS agreement is accurate. The UK government has officially confirmed this plan, which is part of a broader strategy to enhance national security in response to increasing global threats. The commitment to build these submarines is backed by substantial financial investment and is expected to significantly bolster the UK’s defense capabilities.

Sources

1. UK to expand submarine programme in response to Strategic Defence Review
2. UK to build up to 12 new attack submarines - BBC
3. SSN-AUKUS - Wikipedia
4. UK invests over $8 billion to support SSN AUKUS build plan
5. UK to build up to 12 attack submarines as part of AUKUS program
6. U.K. To Build 12 Attack Submarines Under AUKUS Deal
7. Government commits to building 12 SSN-AUKUS submarines
8. UK to build 12 nuclear submarines and invest £15 billion in warhead