Navy SSBN(X) Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA523586 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Ballistic missile submarines SSBNs carry submarine-launched ballistic missiles SLBMs, which are large, long-range missiles armed with multiple nuclear warheads. The SSBNs basic mission is to remain hidden at sea with their SLBMs, so as to deter a nuclear attack on the United States by another country. Navy SSBNs form one leg of the U.S. strategic nuclear deterrent force, or triad, which also includes land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles ICBMs and landbased long-range bombers. The Navy currently operates 14 Ohio SSBN-726 class SSBNs, the first of which is projected to reach the end of its service life in 2027. The Navy is currently conducting development and design work on a planned class of 12 nextgeneration ballistic missile submarines, or SSBNXs, which the service wants to procure as replacements for the 14 Ohio-class boats. The SSBNX program, also known as the Ohio-class replacement program ORP, received 497.4 million in research and development funding in the Navys FY2010 budget, and the Navys proposed FY2011 budget requests an additional 672.3 million in research and development funding for the program. Navy plans call for procuring the first SSBNX in FY2019, with advance procurement funding for the boat beginning in FY2015.

Author(s):
O'rourke, Ronald
Author Organization(s):
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
Descriptive Note:
Congressional rept.
Supplementary Note:
CRS Report for Congress
Pagination:
0041

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
CRS-7-5700, CRS-R41129
Monitor Series:
CRS/DC
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.2.1_Kinetic Means; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_8.2.2_Provide Aid to Foreign Partners and Institutions; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_4.2_Supply; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_6.4_Information Assurance; JCA_4_Logistics; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_4.2.3_Manage Global Supplier Networks; JCA_1.1_Force Management
Communities of Interest:
Weapons Technologies
Descriptor(s):
*BALLISTIC MISSILE SUBMARINES, *INTERCONTINENTAL BALLISTIC MISSILES, CONGRESS, SHIPS, UNITED STATES, LIFE EXPECTANCY(SERVICE LIFE), NAVAL VESSELS, ATTACK, RATES, REDUCTION, COSTS, JET BOMBERS, MISSIONS, PROCUREMENT, BUDGETS, STRATEGIC WARFARE, NAVAL PLANNING, SUBMARINE LAUNCHED, LAND AREAS, NUCLEAR WARHEADS, DETERRENCE, GUIDED MISSILES, NUCLEAR WARFARE, MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES)
Field(s)/Group(s):
Submarine Engineering, Antimissile Defense Systems
Keyword(s):
SUBMARINE LAUNCHED BALLISTIC MISSILES, SLBM(SUBMARINE LAUNCHED BALLISTIC MISSILES), *SSBN(X) CLASS VESSELS, *NAVY SHIPBUILDING PROGRAMS, SSBN 726 CLASS VESSELS, OHIO CLASS VESSELS
Report Date:
2010 Jun 18
Creation Date:
2010 Jul 21