US Navy’s plan for almost 20 guided-missile subs and why that will matter around China

The United States Navy recently initiated a substantial investment in its undersea warfare capabilities, committing to the acquisition of 14 new nuclear-powered submarines through a significant contract awarded in July 2026. This order includes five Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and nine Virginia-class attack submarines (SSNs), the latter of which are designed with extensive multi-mission and guided-missile strike capabilities. This strategic move aims to bolster the US Navy's operational presence and power projection, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

This accelerated submarine acquisition comes amidst growing concerns over China's rapid expansion and modernization of its own naval forces. Beijing is projected to significantly increase its submarine fleet to approximately 80 vessels by 2035, with a substantial portion expected to be nuclear-powered, including advanced guided-missile and ballistic missile submarines. US defense officials note that China's advancements and increasing production rates pose a credible challenge to American undersea dominance.

The US Navy's planned additions are therefore a critical component of its strategy to maintain a credible deterrent and ensure undersea superiority in the face of China's evolving capabilities. This generational investment underscores a commitment to enhancing strategic and conventional undersea requirements, ensuring that the US can effectively counter potential threats and secure its interests in a pivotal region of global strategic competition.