Esper hails shipbuilding study but budgetary questions remain
US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has called for higher spending on shipbuilding, in order to support what he described as a ‘game-changer’ for fleet design.
In a speech at the RAND Corporation on 16 September, he added that a long-awaited force structure assessment stipulates a need for the USN to expand beyond 355 manned and unmanned vessels.
However, Esper added, additional resources would have to be covered in part by existing USN spending plans.
In written remarks prepared for the RAND audience, Esper argued a point ultimately omitted during his actual address: Reagan-era shipbuilding spending levels, equivalent to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear]()
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
![US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes]()
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
![Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates]()
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
-
![Singapore declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use]()
Singapore declassifies SEAL Carrier swimmer delivery vehicle for special forces use
Singapore’s navy has introduced the Combatant Craft Underwater vessel, a multi-mode swimmer delivery vehicle designed to enhance its Naval Diving Unit’s ability to conduct covert maritime special operations.
-
![US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme]()
US Navy foresees additional delays in the Columbia-class programme
After estimating that the first Columbia-class submarine would be delivered 16 months late, the US Navy has recently confirmed that an additional month will be required to complete its construction.
