ASTUTE BOATS 1-7

Military Capability

Record date: 31 March 2026

Whole-life cost: £14.4bn
Published schedule: 17/03/1997 – Exempt under Section 24 - National security
NISTA delivery confidence: Not disclosed
Senior responsible owner: Saloni Sanghvi

What the project is for

To deliver the seven Boat Astute Class within approved performance, cost and time parameters, while actively contributing to the sustainment of the UK submarine design and manufacturing capability.

Departmental delivery commentary

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the NISTA/SRO Delivery Confidence Assessment rating at 25/26-Q4 remained at Amber. This is primarily due to the following factors. 1. The Astute build programme has achieved the majority of its build and commissioning milestones in this financial year. However, the Delivery Confidence Assessment remains Amber because of potential delays in the in-water phase for Boat 6, and the build of Boat 7 based on current productivity rates.

Schedule

Exempt under Section 26 - Defence

Cost

Compared to financial year 24/25-Q4, the project's departmentally agreed Whole Life Cost at 25/26-Q4 (measured in £m) increased from £11,570.00 to £11,590.00. This is primarily due to a revised cost estimate for completion of the programme and inflation.

Benefits

Compared to financial year 2024/25-Q4, the project's departmental-agreed monetised benefits at 2025/26-Q4 remained at £0m.