US submarine production stuck at 1.2 boats a year — AUKUS transfer timeline in doubt

The US admitted in the week of 25 July 2026 that Virginia-class submarine production has not increased. The Congressional Research Service says the rate has never reached 2.0 boats per year and has sat at roughly 1.1–1.2 since 2022. Adm. Caudle confirmed in May the two-per-year target won't be met until the 2030s — exactly when Australia is meant to receive its first Virginia.