- 5 new Large Payload Submarine SSGNs. Will they have an Ohio SSGN or Columbia class size?
and retain the 154 Tomahawk capability of Ohio SSGNs?
Are 5 SSGNs quoted with the expectation Congress will trim the number to 4?
and
- 30 new SSN(X) to enter service from 2034. They would reportedly be bigger than the 8,000 ton
Virginias, more like the 9,000 ton Seawolf class. "The Navy indicates that the next-generation
attack submarine should be faster, stealthier and able to carry more torpedoes than the Virginia
class".
The SSN(X) plan is instead of upgrading the Virginias. The SSN(X) would not have the later
Virginia's 40 Tomahawk Payload Module capability. But have a greater capability for ASW [mainly
Virginia's 40 Tomahawk Payload Module capability. But have a greater capability for ASW [mainly
against Chinese and Russian subs].
COMMENT
Russia has also been talking about a 2 or 3 new submarine type project, called "Husky", since at least 2017. This was to include new SSNs, "multi-purpose" SSGNs and SSBNs. But a new Russian SSBN class make little sense as Russia plans to keep on building Borei/Borey class SSBNs through to the 2030s.
If the SSN(X) means the Virginia class become “old” technology might this increase the chances second hand Virginia’s could be sold to (or built for) the Australian Navy?