Panel presses Navy on submarine production rates, AUKUS commitments
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
Members pressed Navy leaders on submarine production and availability, including the 66-boat attack submarine requirement and commitments under AUKUS. Witnesses acknowledged shortfalls and said they are working to raise production and maintenance throughput.
Members of the House Armed Services Committee pressed Navy leaders on the size, readiness and production tempo of the submarine force, stressing that attack submarines are a central asymmetric advantage against China and a key element of AUKUS cooperation.
Congressman Donald McEachin and Congressman Joe Courtney asked whether the requirement for 66 attack submarines still stands. Admiral James Kilby answered plainly: “It is, sir.” When asked whether the United States is close to that number, Kilby said, “We are not.”
Secretary John Phelan described an intensive focus on submarine production and sustainment. “Right now, I’ve been very focused on the subs because it is critical, and we need to get that done,” he said. In his testimony and in questioning he cited recent and upcoming deliveries and the need to increase production rates while protecting combat capability commitments to combatant commanders.
Committee members pressed for production goals. Lawmakers called for at least two Virginia‑class boats in the FY26 request and sought commitments on the long‑lead material buys for carriers and submarines. Phelan said the department is committed to improving production rates and working with Congress on funding to meet requirements and AUKUS commitments. Representative Joe Courtney noted current submarine operational availability and cited percentage figures on readiness; witnesses said they were not satisfied and set 80% combat‑surge readiness targets for submarines and other platforms.
Committee questions also covered workforce and industrial capacity. Witnesses pointed to wage improvements for shipbuilders in Groton and Quonset, increased hiring at public shipyards, and the need for more skilled trades workers. Members urged use of collaborative programs with Australia and the U.K. under AUKUS and said allied industrial cooperation should be complementary, not a substitute for domestic capacity.
The Navy committed to work with the committee to provide additional detail on production schedules, sustainment and funding paths to meet submarine requirements and allied commitments.