Pentagon budget 2024: Submarines anchor shipbuilding request

The US Navy's proposed FY 2024 budget requests funding for two Virginia-class attack submarines. (US Navy)

The US Navy (USN) is requesting about USD48.1 billion for shipbuilding and marine systems in its fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget proposal, released on 13 March.

The largest single category, by amount, for that request is USD18.6 billion for submarine combatants, according to budget documents released that day.

Anchoring that request is the USD10.8 billion being proposed for the acquisition of two Virginia-class attack submarines (SSN 774s), or about USD3.6 billion more than the FY 2023 request, according to documents. The FY 2024 request includes USD225.9 million for research and development.

The FY 2024 request funds the two additional Block V submarines before the new multiyear procurement (MYP) contract begins in FY 2025, Pentagon budget documents said. The FY 2024 request also funds advance procurement for four boats in future years, economic order quantity funds for the future MYP planned for FY 2025–2029 and outfitting and support equipment. FY 2024 continues funding development of the Virginia Payload Module technology, prototype components, and systems engineering required for design and construction.

The FY 2024 request also includes USD6.2 billion for the Columbia-class Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN) programme to replace the current Ohio-class of Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines.