The United States Navy’s undersea fleet is poised for a significant evolution as the SSN(X) program, aimed at delivering the next generation of attack submarines, forges ahead. In the mid-2030s, the Navy anticipates the commencement of construction on these advanced vessels, with the first expected to join the fleet by FY2042. This move represents a strategic response to the heightened threats in maritime supremacy posed by near-peer adversaries.
The Virginia-class submarines, a pillar of the Navy’s underwater arsenal since FY1998, are undergoing an upgrade with nine Block V units expected between 2025 and 2029, featuring the Virginia Payload Module to enhance their length and payload capacity. But the Navy is already setting its sights on their successor, the SSN(X). The FY2023 budget earmarked $237.0 million in research and development for this cutting-edge program.
The SSN(X) submarines will boast an array of improvements over their Virginia-class predecessors, including augmented speed, stealth capabilities, payload capacity, and acoustic superiority. These enhancements are essential for maintaining the Navy’s competitive edge in the depths of the world’s oceans. The program also indicates that these future subs will maintain a robust, multi-mission capability, able to perform Anti-submarine warfare (ASW), Anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and a spectrum of other critical operations.
With an expected unit cost of $6.7 billion to $7.0 billion according to the Navy (and higher estimates of $7.7 billion to $8.0 billion by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)), the SSN(X) is undoubtedly a substantial investment. Given the budget’s constraints and the potential impact on other Navy priorities, the cost has sparked discussions among lawmakers.
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) highlighted various concerns for lawmakers in D.C. to consider. These include assessing whether the Navy has correctly identified the required capabilities of the SSN(X) and properly evaluated how these capabilities can affect the cost of the SSN(X). CRS also urged Congress to evaluate how the SSN(X) program could impact funding for other Navy priorities, especially if the Congressional Budget Office’s procurement cost estimate for the SSN(X) proves more accurate than the Navy’s estimate.
Relevant articles:
– Report to Congress on SSN(X) Next, USNI News, Aug 8, 2023
– SSN(X): The U.S. Navy Has Big Plans for a New Attack Submarine, The National Interest, Nov 15, 2023
– Navy Mulling Large Diameter Sub Hulls After 12 Columbias, SSN(X) Requirements Due Next Year, USNI News, Nov 8, 2023