What's Happening?
The US Navy is exploring the development of new submarine payload launchers capable of deploying uncrewed systems and weapons. This initiative, announced on July 29, involves collaboration with General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding,
the two primary builders of American nuclear submarines. The Navy's interest is in launchers that can support a broader range of payloads than those currently used, with a focus on uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs). These launchers must be able to deploy and recover UUVs while the submarine is in motion, securely exchange data, and maintain systems onboard. The emphasis is on creating a design that can be produced and sustained at scale, rather than a one-off experiment. This marks a shift from the existing Virginia Payload Module, which was not designed for the recovery and maintenance of drones at sea.
Why It's Important?
This development is significant as it represents a strategic shift in the US Navy's approach to undersea warfare, potentially enhancing the capabilities of its submarine fleet. By integrating UUVs, submarines could perform a wider range of missions, such as intelligence gathering and acting as decoys, without exposing the crew to danger. This could also lead to cost savings and increased operational flexibility. The move could influence the design of future submarines, including the Anglo-Australian SSN-AUKUS boats, which may incorporate similar capabilities. The ability to deploy and recover UUVs could also improve interoperability with allied navies, allowing for shared operations and logistics.
What's Next?
The next steps involve presenting concepts at an industry day at the end of September, where further details and designs will be discussed. The US Navy will likely continue to refine its requirements and work with industry partners to develop prototypes. The integration of these new systems into the submarine fleet will depend on successful testing and validation of the technology. Additionally, the design choices made now will influence the capabilities of future submarines, such as the next-generation US attack submarine, SSN(X), expected around 2040.
