US shipbuilding struggles to keep pace with China
Deliveries of Virginia Block IV and V can be up to 36 months late. (Photo: US Navy)
The small production capacity of US shipyards has generated multiple delays in US Navy programmes.
The US industrial base has been facing several issues trying to keep up with China's production pace. While Beijing rapidly advances with the mass production of maritime systems and with the development and field of new capabilities, US-based shipyards cannot supply solutions at the speed wanted by the US Navy (USN).
Multiple USN programmes have been delayed in the last few years due to the small production capacity size compared to the service’s ambitions. Low levels of innovation and difficulties in recruiting and maintaining personnel have also played relevant roles in postponing milestones and deliveries.
Speaking at the Surface Navy
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
![US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays]()
US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays
The US Navy published a pre-solicitation notice of intent for the third phase of the F-35 Reprogramming Verification & Validation System. Meanwhile, with a five-year delay in its schedule, GAO foresees more postponements in the completion of the Block 4 effort.
-
![US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract]()
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
