US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Wally Schirra passed through an MRO process in South Korea. (Photo: Hanwha Ocean)
As part of its strategy to put its shipbuilding programmes on track, the USN has been considering constructing military vessels in foreign countries.
“All options have to be on the table,” John C Phelan, Secretary of the Navy, remarked last week during a hearing at the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
From his perspective, the US must overcome short-term and long-term issues. While it needs to expeditiously match China and its growing naval fleet, Washington also has to enhance its production capacity over the coming years.
“We need to get hulls in the water, and I need to figure out
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Kongsberg Maritime and Thales UK team on Arctic Hunter Type 92 proposal
The Norwegian company says a commercial hull, proven sonar and a British yard could deliver uncrewed submarine hunters by the end of the decade, but the Royal Navy has not yet set a requirement or timeline.
-
US Navy weighs “Super Intelligence” role in designing a quieter SSN(X) attack submarine
NAVSEA is exploring AI-assisted design for a larger, stealthier submarine with increased weapons capacity and uncrewed-system integration, with lead-boat procurement envisaged from 2040.
-
Navies need cheaper ways to defeat drones, but can they sustain merchant protection?
New interceptors and launchers could help navies preserve missile stocks during prolonged escort operations. Yet lower engagement costs will only improve merchant protection if the weapons are available where ships need defending.