HC Deb 20 November 2003 vol 413 cc1277-8W
Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the projected size is of the nuclear submarine fleet excluding the SSBNs. [139598]

Mr. Ingram

In line with the 1998 Strategic Defence Review, current plans are that the Royal Navy's Swiftsure and Trafalgar class nuclear attack submarine (SSN) force level will reduce to 10 vessels by 2006. The Swiftsure and Trafalgar class vessels will be progressively superseded by new Astute class capability through a phased replacement programme towards the end of this decade.

After 2006, there will be variations each year in the number of SSNs, depending on the precise schedule of the decommissioning of in-service boats and the entry into service of the new capability. Final decisions on the overall size of the Astute class have yet to be taken.