Amidst strategic reassessments and evolving naval requirements, the United States Navy has laid out plans to sustain the production of large-diameter submarines even after the completion of the 12 new Columbia-class SSBNs, designed to meet U.S. Strategic Command’s nuclear patrol requirements. The Navy’s commitment to an enduring submarine production line is part of a broader strategy to maintain a robust industrial base and ensure continuous undersea warfare dominance.
The decision to keep the production lines active post-Columbia class stems from the Navy’s long-term vision, which anticipates diverse missions for its submarine force and a need to avoid a production gap similar to what occurred after the Ohio-class submarines in the late 1990s. The Navy’s undersea warfare director, Rear Adm. Mark Behning, highlighted the importance of a seamless transition to future submarine classes during his presentation at the Naval Submarine League 2023 annual symposium. Behning underscored that the service’s “plan is to keep [the line] open,” signaling the Navy’s intent to send a clear demand signal to the industry for the continuity of large submarine construction capabilities.
In conjunction with the Columbia-class SSBNs, the Navy’s long-range shipbuilding plan involves taking delivery of the first large payload submarine in 2049, although specific requirements for this new hull remain to be defined. This follows the completion of the last planned Columbia delivery in the 2040s, with SSBN-838 poised to replace USS Louisiana (SSBN-783). As discussions continue, the Navy’s goal is to avoid any lull in building larger submarines, as seen with the $186 billion Columbia program, and keep the industrial workforce engaged and proficient in constructing large-diameter submarines.
To maintain flexibility and ensure strategic deterrence, the submarine force is also planning to extend the lives of up to five Ohio-class SSBNs. These extensions will provide a safety margin in case of schedule slippage in the Columbia-class program, as mentioned by program executive officer for strategic submarines, Rear Adm. Scott Pappano. The first in line for the extension is USS Alaska (SSBN-732), with a decision window extending until Fiscal Year 2029.
Looking ahead, the Navy is in the midst of finalizing the analysis of alternatives for the next-generation attack submarine, SSN(X), which is projected to start construction in 2030 and be delivered in 2042. Behning assured that the initial capabilities document has cleared the Navy and is working through the Joint Staff, with an analysis of alternatives commencing in Fiscal Year 2024. The Navy envisions the SSN(X) as a larger, faster, and more heavily armed blue water attack submarine compared to the current Virginia-class boats, potentially mirroring attributes of the Seawolf-class attack submarines.
Despite these ambitious plans, concerns have been raised regarding the readiness of U.S. shipyards to accommodate the larger submarines. A Forbes article highlighted the misalignment between the Navy’s future fleet requirements and the current shipyard infrastructure optimization programs, pointing to potential limitations in dry dock capacities to maintain larger submarines. As the Navy moves towards larger and more complex platforms, it faces the critical task of ensuring that shipyard facilities are not only modernized but also compatible with future submarine designs.
Relevant articles:
– An Analysis of the Navy’s Fiscal Year 2024 Shipbuilding Plan, Congressional Budget Office (.gov)
– Submarine Squadron 19, navy.mil
– Navy Mulling Large Diameter Sub Hulls After 12 Columbias, SSN(X) Requirements Due Next Year, USNI News, Nov 8, 2023
– America’s Navy Shipyards Not Ready For New Super-Sized SSN(X) Subs, Forbes, Nov 16, 2023