The British Royal Navy is again in a situation where it has no operational attack submarines. According to reports, all Astute-class nuclear attack submarines are either under repair or maintenance, undergoing trials, or still incomplete. A shortage of repair bays, spare parts and skilled personnel has severely reduced the fleet's operational readiness, with reports that parts from one submarine have been used as a source for others. This shortfall hampers the UK's ability to track Russian submarines, protect its strategic nuclear deterrent and conduct Tomahawk missile strikes.