US Navy seeks shipyard data for SSN(X) submarine program

The US Navy has issued a ‘sources sought’ notice to gather information from industry partners regarding shipyard capacity and capabilities for the SSN(X) program. This next-generation submarine is intended to succeed the current Virginia-class attack submarines.

The Navy is seeking data on several critical manufacturing requirements, including complete hull fabrication, modular outfitting, precision systems integration, reactor compartment installation, and post-delivery testing. Additionally, the notice requests information on workforce availability, yard availability, and specialized equipment such as advanced machine tools, floating docks, and cranes capable of lifting entire submarine compartments.

Currently, the two primary shipyards capable of constructing nuclear-powered vessels in the United States are General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding. While design work for the SSN(X) continues, production is expected to begin around 2034, with the vessels entering service in the early to mid-2040s. The SSN(X) is intended to provide increased speed, higher horizontal payload capacity, improved signatures, and enhanced coordination with remote autonomous systems.