Image source: topwar.ru
In 2021, the submarines of the US Navy stood for a total of 1,100 days. Without functional changes, the combat readiness of the submarine fleet can be reduced to a minimum, according to the US Navy command. After all, now the fleet has twice as many submarines under maintenance than it should be. These boats require three times more unplanned work to bring them into a really combat-ready state.
A change in the situation is possible only if financing of technical measures is established. According to Rear Admiral John Rucker, the US Navy can introduce new practices from 2026.
Rucker said that due to the addition of additional work after the start of maintenance, 30% of the total work on submarines is unplanned. The US Navy is going to reduce the number of unplanned work to 10%, which can be done by improving the planning process.
Separately, the Rear Admiral drew attention to financing the purchase of all necessary materials. Currently, the Navy finances only 40% to 50% of the purchase of materials before the start of maintenance; the remaining amount is ordered after the start of work. But such a financing system is also fraught with numerous problems.
By fiscal year 2026, the Navy will strive to have 90% to 95% of all materials available. The problem of earlier purchase of materials becomes even more acute due to the increased delivery time. Today, the Navy has few spare parts for the newer Virginia-class boats.
- noted Rear Admiral Rucker.
The command of the US Navy has repeatedly called submarine forces one of America's main advantages over such opponents as China and Russia. The US has 50 attack submarines, which is quite small compared to the need for 66-72 attack submarines. Moreover, 18 submarines are under maintenance or waiting for their turn.
