Why Did America Stop Building the Best (and Most Dangerous Sub)

[Onkel Neal]

From what I've read elsewhere, in the end the Virginia class ended up costing about the same as the Seawolf subs were coming in at.

What do we need these new subs for that the existing subs can't do? These are pretty expensive to build and operate.

The Navy needs something to replace the 688 class, they won't last forever.

Would the US Navy be adequate with no submarines? In peacetime, sure. As long as we are sure another war against a formidable power will not occur, we are ok. Otherwise....

[ikalugin]

Even in peacetime you want subs for stuff like special forces delivery and intel gathering, not to mention sanitising your SSBN patrol areas.