The US Navy will increase the diameter of next-generation nuclear-powered attack submarines at a cost of at least $6.7bn

The US Navy wants to increase the loads of the next generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines. To do this, the diameter of the hull will have to be increased.

Here's What We Know

The military service intends to get next-generation strike submarines after taking into service all strategic submarine missile cruisers with Trident II (D5) intercontinental ballistic missiles. This was reported by Rear Admiral Mark Behning.

The U.S. Navy's current priority is to build 12 Columbia-class nuclear-powered submarines to meet the requirements of the U.S. Strategic Command. They will be replacements for 14 Ohio-class submarines and will be nuclear weapons carriers.

In the 2040s, the U.S. Navy will receive the last SSBN. It will have the flight number 838 and will be the replacement for the USS Louisiana (SSBN 783). The cost of a dozen Columbia-class subs is estimated at $186bn.

According to the long-term shipbuilding plan, the US Navy intends to take delivery of the first submarine with an increased payload in 2049. However, the requirements for a larger diameter hull have not yet been established.

The SSN(X) design approval will be finalised in fiscal year 2024, with construction starting in 2030. If all goes according to plan, the first larger-diameter hull will be delivered in the middle of the next decade.

The SSN(X) submarines will carry more weapons than the Virginia-class submarines. The latter in Block V configuration are armed with 40 Tomahawk cruise missiles. The US Navy estimates the cost of a single next-generation submarine at $6.7-7bn. The US Congress believes it will cost $1bn more to build.

Source: USNI News