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Lawmakers press DoD on shipbuilding, submarines and AUKUS industrial gaps
Summary
Members pressed witnesses on low U.S. submarine production rates, dependence on long‑lead supply chains, and administrative barriers to co‑production under AUKUS. Witnesses urged steady funding, industrial reforms and expanded co‑production to meet commitments.
House members focused sustained attention on U.S. shipbuilding capacity and the AUKUS partnership as a critical element of Indo‑Pacific deterrence. Witnesses said current U.S. construction rates and industrial limitations are a risk to the force.
Admiral Paparo told the committee that the United States currently produces roughly 1.28 attack submarines per year and that the command needs to reach about two or more per year to meet operational needs and AUKUS obligations. He said the People’s Republic of China is increasing submarine and surface combatant output and that the U.S. industrial base must expand to preserve undersea advantages.
“Partnerships are incredibly important,” Admiral Paparo testified, and he cited Australia’s $3 billion industrial contribution to U.S. submarine industrial capacity. Members described administrative obstacles — including export controls and long bureaucratic certification processes — that slow co‑production and transfer of key technologies. Witnesses recommended liberalizing long‑lead supply chains, steadying funding flows and accelerating certification for co‑production to expand allied magazines and repair capacity.
Committee members also pressed for increased capacity in public and private shipyards and for steps to keep trained shipyard workers by improving pay and retention. Witnesses suggested additive manufacturing and AI‑aided data analytics to reduce turnaround times and said prepositioning and forward repair capacity will be essential in a contested fight.
Members asked for written plans and timelines; witnesses agreed to follow up with committee staff on industrial base and production roadmaps.
