The U.S. Navy’s next-generation SSN(X) attack submarine, originally slated for production by 2031, now faces a potential delay until 2040, according to a newly released report. Escalating costs and budget constraints are cited as the primary causes behind this shift in the timeline. Originally designed to emphasize stealth, intelligence gathering, increased torpedo payload capacity, and integration with unmanned undersea systems, the SSN(X) aims to replace the current Virginia-class submarines.
The program’s cost per vessel is projected to reach between $6.7 billion and $8 billion, far exceeding the $4 billion price tag of the Virginia-class boats, which have been in service since 1998. Despite the high costs, the Navy is requesting $623 million in FY2026 funding to advance the project. The report underscores concerns over the delay’s potential impact on U.S. undersea dominance and the Navy’s ability to conduct critical missions.
Production of the Virginia-class submarines has also been affected by delays, with the Navy acquiring only 1.2–1.4 subs annually instead of the typical two per year. This has led to a backlog of funded but unconstructed vessels. In FY2025, the request for only one Virginia-class submarine reflects these constraints. With only two shipyards—Electric Boat and Newport News—capable of building nuclear-powered submarines, the Navy is struggling to meet its ambitious fleet expansion goals.
Experts warn that achieving the Navy’s target of increasing its fleet from 296 to 381 ships will require significant industrial expansion. During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Brett A. Seidle, acting assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development, and acquisition, acknowledged the challenges facing the program, including rising costs and delayed schedules on multiple projects.
Despite nearly doubling its shipbuilding budget over the past two decades, the Navy has consistently fallen short of its ship-count goals. The Government Accountability Office reports that the Navy’s shipbuilding programs and yards are effectively operating in a