Overview

• The US Navy's major shipbuilding projects, such as the Virginia-class submarines and Constellation-class frigates, are facing delays ranging from one to three years.
• Navy officials attribute the delays to a combination of design challenges, supply chain disruptions, and a shortage of experienced workers.
• The Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, a top priority, is delayed by 12 to 16 months, potentially impacting the Navy's strategic deployment plans.
• China's rapid shipbuilding pace, producing more and increasingly capable warships, exacerbates concerns over the US Navy's ability to maintain a competitive edge.
• Efforts to address the delays include initiatives to improve the workforce, material and supply chains, and contract management, with a focus on ensuring the Navy's warfighting capabilities.