Navy starts work on next-generation SSN(X) attack submarine for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations

Oct. 20, 2021
Navy leaders say they plan to procure the service's first SSN(X) attack submarine in 2031, with follow-on orders beginning in the mid-2030s.

WASHINGTON – Coming soon: the SSN(X) next-generation attack submarine. With that, the U.S. Navy appears to be ramping up the technology and weaponry for this new underwater weapon of war. 1945 reports. Continue reading original article

The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:

20 Oct. 2021 -- The new work on SSN(X) is coming at a time when the United States is confronting increased competition with China and its fast-growing navy forces, which Pentagon leaders say is the largest on the planet.

Navy officials say the SSN(X) will possess a renewed priority in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission against sophisticated threats in greater numbers, and will be able to defend itself against unmanned underwater vehicles.

The new SSN(X) boats would take the best features of the Navy’s three previous submarines: the Seawolf- and Virginia-class attack submarines, and the still-in-development Columbia-class ballistic-missile submarines.

Related: Shipboard electronics steams into the 21st century

Related: Navy pushes for more ships, technology breakthroughs

Related: Lockheed Martin to build anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems, hull-mounted sonar, for counter-mine warfare

John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics

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