Submarine propulsion test facility decision due in 2028

The UK Ministry of Defence expects to make its main investment decision on SMITE2, a proposed submarine propulsion testing facility, in 2028. The project remains in development under the wider Submarine Build Modernisation programme, and ministers said that start-of-construction and completion dates will be set at the investment decision rather than committed in advance. Such a facility would allow engineers to test and validate submarine propulsion equipment on land before final installation in a hull, reducing integration risk. SMITE2 is linked to long-term industrial support for British submarine construction, including the Dreadnought and future SSN-AUKUS programmes.