Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Pennsylvania. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda R. Gray
Popular Mechanics: The Navy's Next Missile Submarines Will Have an 'Eye-Watering' Price Tag
The 12 Columbia-class submarines will replace the existing 14 Ohio-class subs in conducting nuclear deterrence patrols.
The Navy’s next generation ballistic missile submarine will cost $100 billion over the lifetime of the program, an amount Secretary of Defense Richard V. Spencer describes as “eye-watering.” The amount covers everything from research and development of the submarines to construction of the twelve submarines. The Columbia-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines will form the sea-based leg of America’s nuclear triad through the 2080s.
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WNU Editor: The cost of building two of them is the equivalent of building a Ford aircraft carrier. They are definitely not cheap.
2 comments:
START II has a sunset clause, I think around 2022. I see no prospect of a renewal since China refuses to be a party to nuclear arms control. By 2022, China will have emerged as a superpower.
12 new Columbia's could turn into 15 or more.
$100 Billion for the full program? I don't see that as excessive. From R&D through construction - does this include operation, maintenance and decommissioning - comes out under $10 billion per boat.
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