Why the U.S. Navy’s fast-attack fleet is struggling to meet rising global threats
Washington, D.C., United States, December 2025 – The United States Navy is facing a growing challenge beneath the ocean’s surface. While fast-attack submarines remain one of the country’s most powerful and stealthy military assets, the current fleet is smaller than required, given increasing global security demands.
The Navy currently operates 53 fast-attack submarines, well below its formal requirement of 66. These vessels play a critical role in national defense, from deterring major powers such as China and Russia to conducting precision missile strikes and intelligence missions in sensitive regions around the world.
Fast-attack submarines are designed to operate quietly and independently. They can launch Tomahawk cruise missiles, track enemy submarines, gather intelligence, and deploy special operations forces. Their ability to move undetected makes them essential in modern naval warfare.
Rising missions, limited capacity
Global tensions have expanded the Navy’s mission load. Beyond long-standing responsibilities in the Pacific and Europe, U.S. submarines have recently been involved in operations linked to instability in the Middle East. Iranian-backed Houthis’ attacks on shipping near Yemen tied up carrier strike groups and their supporting submarines, placing further strain on an already stretched fleet.
Defense planners warn that future crises, including potential conflicts involving Taiwan or NATO allies, could require even greater submarine presence. Yet under current projections, the Navy may not reach the 66-submarine target until the 2050s.
Maintenance and manpower challenges
One of the biggest issues is availability. Aging submarines, extended maintenance periods, and shipyard delays have sidelined a significant portion of the fleet. At times, as many as 40 percent of fast-attack submarines have been unavailable for operations.
Personnel shortages have added to the problem. Nuclear-powered submarines require highly trained crews, and recruiting and training slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although recruitment has improved recently, the effects of earlier shortfalls are still being felt across the submarine force.
Industrial bottlenecks
Submarine production is another major concern. The U.S. industrial base is currently producing about 1.2 attack submarines per year, far below what is needed to replace retiring vessels and meet future commitments. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, has repeatedly warned that this pace is not enough to support U.S. force requirements or international partnerships like AUKUS.
Only two U.S. shipyards are capable of building nuclear-powered submarines, and both are operating at near-full capacity. Space constraints, workforce limitations, and supply chain issues have made it difficult to ramp up production quickly.
Signs of progress
There is some positive momentum. New investments are underway to expand submarine-related manufacturing and storage facilities in Alabama, South Carolina, and Connecticut. These projects are designed to ease supply chain pressure, speed up component delivery, and support higher production rates in the coming years.
Defense leaders say these efforts could help restore readiness and reduce maintenance backlogs, but progress will depend on sustained funding, political commitment, and long-term oversight.
Fast-attack submarines remain a cornerstone of U.S. naval power. As rival nations invest heavily in advanced weapons and undersea capabilities, maintaining a strong and ready submarine fleet is increasingly seen as essential to deterrence and national security.
Experts agree that improving manpower, maintenance efficiency, and shipbuilding capacity is possible. The challenge now lies in execution. Without consistent focus and investment, the gap between mission demands and available submarines could continue to widen.
