Defense News

U.S

A recent review by the US Navy has revealed significant delays in nine of its crucial shipbuilding projects, with some falling behind schedule by up to three years.

The delivery of the navy's first Columbia-class submarine, vital for strategic deterrence, is now expected to be delayed by 12 to 16 months. Originally slated for launch by October 2027, the submarine, dubbed the "USS District of Columbia," is being constructed by General Dynamics.

Similarly, the third Gerald Ford-class aircraft carrier faces a delay of up to 26 months, despite construction beginning in 2022 under manufacturer Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII).

The review highlights that the navy's first Constellation-class frigate, being built by Fincantieri Marinette Marine, is already 36 months behind schedule. Additionally, delays of 36 and 24 months are projected for the fourth and fifth blocks of the Virginia-class submarine program, respectively.

In total, these delays amount to over 11 years, posing a significant challenge to the navy's efforts to modernize its fleet promptly in preparation for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region.

Nickolas Guertin, the Navy's senior acquisition executive, acknowledged the need to address these issues urgently. While plans of action and initiatives are yet to be fully developed, Guertin emphasized the importance of looking ahead, particularly in terms of procuring shipbuilding materials.

The delays were largely attributed to disruptions in the supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Guertin stressed the necessity of adopting a longer-term perspective in procurement practices to mitigate such challenges in the future.

The US Navy faces substantial setbacks in its shipbuilding programs, necessitating immediate attention and proactive measures to address the underlying issues and ensure timely completion of vital projects.