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
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
-
![The unanswered design question at the heart of India’s P75I submarine programme]()
The unanswered design question at the heart of India’s P75I submarine programme
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is edging toward an India submarine deal, but an unverified claim of a radically new hull design – at odds with the proven lineage it has marketed to Canada – has yet to be resolved.
-
![Critical infrastructure protection fuels growth in maritime counter-drone market]()
Critical infrastructure protection fuels growth in maritime counter-drone market
Operational lessons are pushing navies towards counter-uncrewed aerial systems at sea, creating a fast-emerging industrial opportunity for radar and effector makers.
-
![Canada’s selection of TKMS for its new patrol submarines reflects rising Arctic competition]()
Canada’s selection of TKMS for its new patrol submarines reflects rising Arctic competition
The decision points to deepening NATO cooperation and mounting competition in the Arctic and North Atlantic, as Canada opts for a European-designed solution despite interest from South Korea.
