The Bottom Line Upfront

As the Pentagon challenges Navy production requirements, lawmakers argue the need to stay in pace with the AUKUS agreement, keeping abreast of production demands for rapidly developing undersea technology.

The Breakdown

  • House lawmakers from both political parties are opposing the Pentagon's plan to reduce the number of Virginia-class attack submarines procured in fiscal year 2025 from two to one, arguing it disrupts the supply chain and compromises the Navy's operational requirements.
  • Lawmakers emphasize that consistent procurement is vital for maintaining the industrial base and meeting the Navy's needs, particularly in the context of the AUKUS agreement which necessitates an increased production rate to transfer submarines to Australia.
  • The AUKUS allies (Australia, the U.K., and the U.S.) are actively developing advanced undersea technology under their trilateral agreement, with a focus on quick wins for their fleets. The undersea warfare working group is working on four lines of effort, including torpedo tube launch and recovery capability for small unmanned underwater vehicles, subsea and seabed warfare capabilities, artificial intelligence, and torpedoes and platform defense.
  • The development and fielding of advanced undersea capabilities by the AUKUS allies will enhance their undersea warfare capabilities and strengthen their navies. This is a significant step towards achieving the goals of the AUKUS trilateral alliance.
  • The U.S. Navy has conducted successful demonstrations of torpedo tube launch and recovery capability for small unmanned underwater vehicles.
  • The U.K. plans to test this capability on an Astute-class attack submarine this year.
  • The development of torpedo tube launch and recovery capability for small unmanned underwater vehicles will enable submarines to expand their reach and conduct stealthy surveillance.
  • The AUKUS allies are also focusing on subsea and seabed warfare capabilities to defend critical undersea infrastructure and ensure the integrity of undersea cables.
  • The AUKUS allies are actively developing advanced undersea technology under their trilateral agreement.
  • The undersea warfare working group is focusing on torpedo tube launch and recovery capability, subsea and seabed warfare capabilities, artificial intelligence, and torpedoes and platform defense.
  • The development of these capabilities will enhance the undersea warfare capabilities of the AUKUS navies.