Armed with Underwater Cruise Missiles, the USA Equipped with Nuclear-Capable Weapons
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Hey there! Let's chat about the Navy's latest move to bring back nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles on modernized Virginia-class subs. You know, for good old-fashioned strategic deterrence.
It's not just a whim; the US navy is after a robust deterrence, a regional nuclear weapon option, and a credible second-strike capability in the face of evolving global threats. They're picking up the pace with a $2 billion investment in the missile itself and an extra $400 million for the nuclear warhead. Congress has given the green light, but it's still up in the air.
Remember the Red Dragon? Yep, the Navy demonstrated a highly autonomous strike drone back in the day. Well, seems like they're not resting on their laurels.
Now, the Virginia-class subs are undergoing some serious upgrades, including advanced sonar, stealth capabilities, and boosted missile payloads. They're shaping up to be perfect candidates for housing new missile systems, like the SLCM-N. Two new block V Virginia-class submarines have even been procured, with contracts reaching $12.4 billion.
The SLCM-N will offer a flexible and survivable option, complementing the existing Trident ballistic missile system deployed on Ohio-class subs. The navy's also focused on hypersonic weapons, further emphasizing their modernization efforts.
Unfortunately, construction delays have slowed down Virginia-class submarine deliveries, but all's not lost. Large contracts aim to speed things up and boost industrial capacity.
exact costs for the SLCM-N missile and associated nuclear warhead development aren't publicly known, but the submarine modernization investments run into the billions, reflecting the strategic importance attached to undersea nuclear deterrence.
I, as a curious onlooker, am interested in the intersection of finance and technology within the industry, particularly how they are funding and developing the next-generation missile systems like the SLCM-N for the Navy submarines, given the significant investments being made and the focus on hypersonic weapons as a part of the modernization efforts.
Moreover, it will be intriguing to see how these advancements in submarine technology and missile systems enhance the strategic deterrence, given the increasing emphasis on nuclear deterrence in the face of evolving global threats.
