The Astute class submarines entering service are extremely capable nuclear powered, hunter killer

submarines (SSNs). However, with only 7 planned to be built, and HMS Audacious, the latest to be
built, costing almost 1,500 million, any additional procurement seems unlikely. This means the 7
Astute class submarines will be spread thin, having to support the future carrier groups, protecting
the Trident carrying submarines, and carrying out independent patrols. This essay will examine if the
UK should consider developing conventional powered submarines (SSKs). Firstly, it will consider the
cost and export potential of producing SSK. Secondly, it will consider the advantages and
disadvantages in operability of a SSK over a SSN. Finally, it will consider the practicality of adding a
fleet of SSKs to the Royal Navy.

The nuclear powered Astute class submarines cost almost 1,500 million each. If this is
compared to the 500 million to the recent French Scorpene class SSK, it is easy to see the
attractiveness in cost difference. The Barrows shipyard, Britains only submarine construction
facility, will be bust completing the Astute, and then Dreadnought class submarines well into the late
2030s. Any delays in the construction of the dreadnought class, could mean that some of the Astute
class submarines need to be decommissioned before there replacement can be produced. Having a
SSK building program could provide a bridge in manufacturing and capability until the Astute
replacement can be found. Expanding the manufacturing capability to build smaller SSKs may be
more affordable than just increasing the rate of production of SSNs. There is also the potential for an
export market, with the Scorpene class SSK being sold to Brazil and India.

Development in recent technology, such as the German Type 212 submarine with air
independent propulsion (AIP) allows SSKs to stay submerged for up to 3 weeks. SSKs are quieter than
SSNs due to the nuclear reactor requiring coolant to be constantly pumped, whereas the SSKs, being
powered with AIP or battery are virtually silent. SSKs are also much smaller than SSNs due to the
SSNs nuclear reactor. Due to the SSKs having smaller size and being more stealthy, they are far
more suitable to costal operations than a SSN, being more mobile and harder to detect.

However, SSKs are slower than SSNs and do not possess the global reach of the SSNs. While
SSKs have a remarkable submersion time of up to 3 weeks, SSNs are only limited in their submersion
times by the supplies on board. This means the advantage SSKs have over the SSNs of being quieter
is arguable since it would need to re-surface periodically, giving away its position far more often
than a SSN.