| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | SSN(X) |
| Builders |
|
| Operators |  United States Navy |
| Preceded by | Virginia class |
| Cost | $5.6 billion to $7.2 billion per unit |
| Built | 2034 (planned) |
| In service | 2042 (planned) |
| General characteristics (conceptual) | |
| Type | Nuclear attack submarine |
| Propulsion | Nuclear reactor |
| Range | Unlimited |
| Endurance | Only limited by food and maintenance requirements. |
| Sensors and processing systems | Active and passive sonar; mast-mounted radar |
| Armament | Torpedoes, missiles, and mines |
The SSN(X) or Next-Generation Attack Submarine program of the United States Navy aims to develop a new class of nuclear-powered attack submarines to succeed the Virginia and Seawolf classes. The SSN(X) program remains in the early stages of development and no official details have been released about its design or capabilities.
This program is expected to incorporate advanced technologies and capabilities to ensure that the new submarines will be able to meet the evolving challenges of the modern maritime environment. It is believed that the SSN(X) program will focus on improving stealth, sensor capabilities, and firepower to enable the new submarines to operate effectively in a variety of missions, including intelligence gathering, special operations, and anti-submarine warfare.
Along with the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, the SSN(X) program is seen as a critical component of the Navy's future submarine force and is expected to play a key role in maintaining American naval superiority in the coming decades. Despite projected schedules, it is not yet clear when the SSN(X) program will be fully developed and deployed, but it is likely to be a major focus of the Navy's research and development efforts in the coming years.