March 28, 2024

3 Options in Navy’s New Shipbuilding Plan

Shipbuilding Plan

The Navy is sifting through three options for its shipbuilding plans — only one gets to the goal of 355 ships.

DefSec: Here’s How Navy Reaches 355-Ship Fleet

355-ship fleet

DefSec Mark Esper says he is committed to a bigger, but much lighter, naval force. He lays out the steps on how the Navy can reach the 355-ship fleet goal.

Bracing for Budget Battles on the Homefront

Budget Battles

DefSec Mark Esper has begun preparations for what will likely be a messy battle for the 2021 defense budget.

Navy Estimates $40B a Year to Maintain New Fleet

7th Fleet

The US Navy unveils plans to get to a 355-ship fleet two decades more quickly. The service also outlines a rough estimate of $40 billion a year to maintain that fleet.

Navy Dilemma: Replace Subs or Build More Warships

Warships

A panel of security and budget experts believe the US Navy could be forced to make hard choices when it comes to finding the money to replace its aging ballistic missile submarines or reach its goal of having a fleet of 355 warships.

US Faces Cyber Threats on Many Fronts

cyber threats

National Intelligence Director Dan Coats issues warnings about cyber threats to US national security. Digital attempts to undermine America are occurring daily, not just at election time from Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and criminal networks and individual hackers.

Global Fleet of F-35 Jets Grows

F-35 jets

F-35 jets are already in 12 nations, are set to dominate the Western fighter market for decades to come.

Defense Acquisition Addressed in Authorization Bill

acquisition

A provision in the defense authorization bill would let government buy through existing online marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart, and Staples.

355-Ship Navy Not a Wish. It’s Now Policy

7th Fleet

President Trump’s 2018 National Defense Authorization Act includes a provision that calls for the US to build up to 355 ships “as soon as practicable.” That makes achieving a 355-ship Navy national policy.

GAO vs DoD on F-35 Parts Purchases

F-35

DoD needs to procure big quantities of F-35 parts to drive down aircraft costs. The GAO does not see the expenditure today worth the future value.