Delay in the program to build Columbia-class submarines carrying penetrating ballistic missiles (ICBM) was revealed by the US Navy during a progress review on April 2. This is a setback because the Columbia-class submarines are considered an important replacement for the aging Ohio-class submarines.
According to the previously signed contract, the first of 12 Columbia-class ships will be delivered in October 2027.
Last year the US Congressional Budget Agency estimated the cost of the program would amount to about 120 billion USD, an increase of 20% compared to the original estimate.
Delay of the program combined with forecasts of overspending and delays to the first test could cause a lot of frustration because some would argue that America’s thousands of dollars worth of nuclear modernization efforts are failing. gradually destroyed.
According to Mr. Ronald O’Rourke, a naval analyst with the Congressional Research Service, such a long delay will make it more likely that the Navy will have to implement a contingency plan of increasing some of the Ohio-class ships’ service time. However, some costs will be required to extend the life of that class of ship.
Navy procurement assistant Nickolas Guertin said the delay was related to Accurately assemble the ship’s modules.
Although some components are behind schedule, the project’s delay is not due to technological factors Vice Admiral Jim Downey – in charge of Naval Systems Command – said.
In addition to the Columbia project, the assessment also said that the construction of new Virginia-class submarines is also expected to be delayed by 24 to 36 months.
Thu Le
According to SCMP
“
