US Navy To Get Next-gen Beast Nuclear-powered Attack Submarine In 2040

The United States Navy’s ambitious next-generation attack submarine program, the SSN(X), is now facing delays, with its procurement timeline pushed from fiscal year 2035 to fiscal year 2040.

The Navy’s current fleet of nuclear-powered submarines comprises ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), cruise missile and special operations forces submarines (SSGNs), and attack submarines (SSNs). Among these, SSNs are versatile, general-purpose vessels capable of handling diverse missions in both peace and war. The SSN(X) program is intended to significantly enhance these capabilities, positioning the Navy to counter growing threats from near-peer adversaries.

According to the CSR report, the “X” in the SSN(X) name reflects the program’s ongoing design phase. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that each SSN(X) could cost $7.7 to $8 billion per unit in constant FY 2023 dollars. However, the Navy projects a slightly lower figure, estimating costs between $6.7 and $7 billion per submarine. This discrepancy, while relatively minor, highlights the potential financial strain the program could impose on the Navy’s overall budget.

Beyond cost, the SSN(X) is expected to bring groundbreaking advancements. It will feature greater speed, increased payload capacity, improved acoustic superiority, and enhanced operational availability. The design aims to combine the speed and armament of the Seawolf-class, the stealth and sensors of the Virginia-class, and the durability and service life of the Columbia-class. The Navy has also proposed powering the SSN(X) with a nuclear reactor using low-enriched uranium (LEU), rather than the highly enriched uranium (HEU) that has been the standard for decades.

However, transitioning to LEU presents its own challenges. Developing and deploying a naval reactor based on LEU is estimated to take 20 to 30 years and cost approximately $25 billion. Critics argue that despite its potential non-proliferation benefits, LEU does not offer significant operational advantages over the HEU systems that the Navy has refined over the past 75 years. This debate adds another layer of complexity to the program’s already ambitious goals.

The CSR report raises several pressing questions for Congress as it deliberates the future of the SSN(X) program. Lawmakers are urged to consider whether the Navy has correctly identified the necessary capabilities for the new submarine and whether the program’s high costs could detract from other critical naval priorities. Additionally, the impact of delaying the procurement timeline on the United States’ maritime superiority must be weighed carefully. The decision to shift to LEU fuel also warrants scrutiny, given the uncertainty about its practical benefits.

The SSN(X) program represents a critical juncture for the Navy, blending technological innovation with strategic imperatives. While the promise of a next-generation attack submarine is enticing, its realization will require navigating financial limitations, technological hurdles, and geopolitical pressures.

As Congress evaluates the program’s trajectory, it must balance ambition with practicality, ensuring that the Navy remains equipped to face the challenges of the future while maintaining its current operational readiness.