UK’s Attack Submarine Fleet Currently Non-Operational

All seven attack submarines of the Royal Navy are currently non-operational.

None of the submarines are available as they are either undergoing maintenance or repairs, the Sun reported Friday.

The Navy’s three new Astute class subs, costing £1.2billion each, are beset by problems and the four remaining Trafalgars are said to be “on their last legs”.

Five of the fleet, including one of the new type, are having refits or maintenance after breaking down. Another new one, HMS Ambush, is being repaired after crashing into a tanker near Gibraltar last year.

Only one, HMS Astute, is at sea but she is having trials following maintenance and is weeks from missions.

Vanguard nuclear deterrent subs remain operational but it is believed to be the first time in decades the UK has had no attack subs ready.

It means there are none to patrol vital trade routes under constant threat from closure by Iran.

The problem-hit Astute class slowly replacing the Trafalgars is built by BAE Systems, along with Type 45 Destroyers which broke down in hot weather.

The news comes a day after RAF fighters had to monitor Russian bombers menacing UK airspace.