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Former Admiral Warns of UK Submarine Program Crisis

12/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Rear Admiral Philip Mathias, a former Navy chief, says Britain cannot manage its nuclear submarine program due to 'catastrophic' failures.
He cites delays in building new attack submarines, with patrols rising from 70 days to over 200 days since Cold War.
The result is 'shockingly low availability' of submarines to counter the Russian threat in the North Atlantic, and Mathias urges the UK to withdraw from Aukus defense deal.

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Story summary

Rear Admiral Philip Mathias, a former Navy chief, says Britain cannot manage its nuclear submarine program due to 'catastrophic' failures.
He cites delays in building new attack submarines, with patrols rising from 70 days to over 200 days since Cold War.
The result is 'shockingly low availability' of submarines to counter the Russian threat in the North Atlantic, and Mathias urges the UK to withdraw from Aukus defense deal.