Many in the USN submarine ("USNsub") service are arguing that a high spec (hence high US$5-6 Billion cost) Future Attack Submarine aka "SSN(X)" is required from the early 2040s to have the edge over improving Chinese and Russian SSNs/SSGNs.
USNsub desire a large "Seawolf 2" solution carrying about 50 heavyweight shots ie. a larger proportion of torpedoes and anti-ship missiles and lower proportion of Virginia class favoured land attack Tomahawks. Hypersonic anti-ship and hypersonic land attack missiles would also feature.
A 15 year debate is likely - similar to the earlier Seawolf-class (29 envisaged, only 3 built) Debate. Those opposing the USNsub lobby are likely to be the USN surface force lobby, whole of Navy lobby, other armed services, Pentagon bureaucracy and Congress. They may push for a continuation of Virginia-class construction through to the 2050s or a lower spec class than a "Seawolf 2".
Programs competing with the SSN(X) include:
- 12 Columbia-class SSBNs
- "Ground Based Strategic Deterrent" replacements for the 450 Minuteman-III ICBMs
- 20+ new Constalletion-class frigates
- 20+? 10,000 ton cruiser sized Future/Large Surface Combatant aka DDG(X) Program
- Many different types of land, sea and air launched Hypersonic Missiles.
- and many other weapon, personnel and new base building programs.
It is inevitable that the SSN(X) program will be more expensive than the Columbia-class. With 2 main near-peer competitors, Russia and China (the latter having a huge economy), the US will need to intensively debate and economize on its submarine choices.
Here and below is a useful 5 minute, May 27, 2021, video on the SSN(X) which seems to be according to USNsub lobby aspirations.
Pete