This leaves the RN down to just 5 SSNs in service for at least the following year. MoD officials have refused to confirm the status of HMS Talent. A few years ago, the Ministry instituted a policy that “does not comment on out-of-service and in-service dates for submarines”. The Defence Command Paper published in March 2021 optimistically claimed, “The Trafalgar class has been extended to ensure a seamless transition to the Astute class.”
