US Navy shipbuilding branded “too slow” and “too expensive” by acquisition chief
An artist’s impression of a Constellation-class frigate. (Image: US DoD)
Several of the US Navy’s leading programmes, including the Constellation-class frigate and the Virginia-class submarine, are significantly behind schedule.
The US’s naval shipbuilding regimen has been branded as both too slow and too expensive by Brett Seidle, the new acting acquisition chief of the US Navy (USN).
Seidle made the charges in prepared and written remarks to the House Armed Services seapower panel. They included that ship deliveries were between one-to-four years late and that the later they become the more costs spiral, often faster than the rate of inflation.
To balance out his observations, Seidle acknowledged: “These challenges are shared across the nuclear and conventional shipbuilding communities, with both navy and industry sharing responsibility.”
The idea of increasing delays and spiralling costs
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026]()
Second Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship is on schedule to be launched mid-2026
While the first Joint Support Ship is currently in the final stages of outfitting, the second one is on schedule for launching next year.
-
![Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?]()
Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?
South Korean shipbuilders are beginning to make their mark beyond Asia, competing for major North American and European submarine programmes and becoming serious contenders on a global scale.
-
![AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official]()
AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official
Few concrete ideas have emerged so far on which “advanced capabilities” will be brought forward under Pillar 2 of the AUKUS partnership, but the Pentagon’s review of the programme could bring more clarity.
