Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on the Submersible Ship Nuclear AUKUS programme in the context of the Delivery confidence assessments for Government Major Project Portfolio Defence projects.

The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Gate Review process is an integral part of the Assurance Framework that the Ministry of Defence has in place to support project delivery. The 2025-26 Government Major Project Portfolio amber assessment reflects the likelihood of successful delivery at a specific point in time and should be expected for a programme at this stage of maturity. We are making good progress in addressing the report’s findings.

The programme is currently midway through the Detailed Design and Long Lead (D2L2) phase which is due to complete in 2028. This will mature the design and manufacturing arrangements, develop detailed schedules and see the purchase of key long lead items for the early boats in Class.

On current plans, we will cut steel on the first SSN-AUKUS submarine next year, with the aim to deliver the first UK submarine into service from the late 2030s.