The U.S. Navy published a Sources Sought Notice on Oct. 9 seeking information from industry on manufacturing capabilities for SSN(X), the next-generation attack submarine meant to succeed the Virginia class. The notice, released late in the morning, is one of the initial steps in moving the program from design to production, with a service entry date targeted for the early to mid-2040s.
The notice asks interested shipyards to detail their ability to perform “executing complex manufacturing, complete hull fabrication, modular outfitting, precision systems integration, reactor compartment installation, and post-delivery testing,” according to the notice. It also seeks information on yard availability, workforce skill and availability, and key infrastructure such as advanced machine tooling, floating dry docks, and cranes capable of lifting entire submarine compartments.
Practically, only two shipyards meet these criteria: General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, and Huntington Ingalls’ Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. Both currently build Virginia-class submarines, with Electric Boat as the primary contractor.
SSN(X) funding in the FY 2027 presidential budget request was reduced by roughly $121 million, to about $315 million. Despite the cut, design work continues, with a transition to design requirements and an acquisition strategy expected next year.
Potential improvements for SSN(X) include higher transit speed, integration with multiple unmanned underwater vehicles, new propulsion technology, and new weapons and sensors. Production is scheduled for around 2034.
Until SSN(X) enters service, the Navy will continue receiving Virginia-class submarines, likely totaling over 60 boats of various blocks once construction ends in the 2040s. Blocks V, VI, and VII remain to be built, with work already underway on the first Block VI. Block V and VI boats will include the Virginia Payload Module, adding capacity for 28 additional Tomahawk-sized munitions or 12 Conventional Prompt Strike missiles. Block VII design features are unclear, but budget documents suggest these boats will serve as a transitional group to test technologies for SSN(X).
Both submarine types may receive the same sonar upgrades, possibly including a new Bow Conformal Array and an improved Wide Aperture Array or a new Low Frequency Hull Array.
Sources: DVIDS News · DVIDS News