The U.S. Navy is postponing development and purchases of large unmanned systems and next-generation ships and planes in fiscal 2025 due to spending caps. The Navy’s FY25 budget request seeks six ships instead of seven, including one attack submarine instead of two. The Department of the Navy is seeking $257.6 billion for FY25, up 0.7% from the FY24 request. Under Secretary Erik Raven stated that the Navy is prioritizing current operations and personnel, as well as small unmanned systems and the Pentagon-led Replicator program.
The Navy is quickly using up missiles and ship readiness due to ongoing operations in the Middle East, leading to unexpected costs. Concerned about future invasions, the Navy has postponed big-ticket items to focus on readiness for a potential tougher fight in the next few years. The Navy’s next-generation fighter, F/A-XX, is facing delays due to limited funding, pushing back procurement of Large Unmanned Surface Vessels.
The Navy’s FY25 budget request includes funds for SSN(X) next-generation attack submarines and DDG(X) next-generation destroyers. The program for Large Unmanned Surface Vessels has been pushed back two years due to technical difficulties. The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords leads the formation of unmanned surface vessels. The Navy is moving quickly with smaller unmanned systems as part of its modernization efforts.
The Navy’s FY25 budget request includes funding for six ships, including an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and a Constellation-class frigate. The Navy will request to retire 10 ships before the end of their planned service life, including two Independence-variant LCSs. The fleet is projected to decline to 287 ships compared to 293 ships today. The budget also postpones the Navy’s plans to buy its next aircraft carriers.
