NATIONAL reports have claimed that all of the Royal Navy's Barrow-built attack submarines are out of action.
An article in The Sun claims that "sources say 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'".
The report claims that HMS Artful, HMS Ambush, HMS Trenchant, HMS Torbay, HMS Triumph and HMS Talent are all undergoing repairs.
HMS Ambush is currently being repaired at Faslane after crashing into a shipping vessel near Gibraltar last year.
Only HMS Astute is at sea, The Sun claims, but the boat is undergoing trials.
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.
The Evening Mail is attempting to verify the claims in The Sun.
Industry commentators and publications have suggested the claims should be treated with caution.
Pictures sent to us on January 13 show HMS Artful being fitted with a dry deck shelter at Faslane.
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