The Solent-class are the next generation of RN SSKs, replacing the ageing Upholder-class vessels as the backbone of the shallow water conventionally powered submarine force. 36 vessels will be procured over an 15 year period to replace the existing Upholder-class vessels like-for-like. The last vessel is due to enter service in 2037. As of August 2024, only 3 vessels have entered service although a further 10 vessels are under construction at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead and Scotts in Greenock.
The vessels will serve in the SSK squadrons of the Royal Navy in Britain (HMNB Faslane, HMNB Devonport, HMNB Chatham, and HMNB Portsmouth), Canada (one Canadian manned squadron at HMNB Halifax and another at HMNB Esquimalt), Australia (one Australian manned squadron at HMNB Sydney and another at HMNB Perth), Malta (as part of the Mediterranean Fleet), and Hong Kong (as part of the Pacific Fleet).
The vessel is designed from BMTs VIDAR 36 concept vessel and is designed for a wide variety of adaptable future missions. Partly owing to the "X" arrangement of the stern planes, the submarine is capable of operating in as little as 17 metres of water, allowing it to come much closer to shore than most contemporary submarines.
The class carry the Royal Navy standard Spearfish torpedo and UGM-84 Harpoon (being replaced by UGM-158C LRASM) for anti-submarine and anti-surface roles. Royal Navy standard Mk 67 SLMM and Stonefish mines can also be deployed. The class is compatible with a standard Royal Navy pattern dry dock shelter (DDS).
(Massive credit to Yurchenko/AlexandrShpak for the base drawing which I modified)