How bad management could put the US Navy’s cruiser fleet far behind Chinese capabilities
Ticonderoga-class USS Philippine Sea. (Photo: US Navy)
While China has been rapidly advancing with the development of the Type 055 class, the US Navy has been struggling to progress with the modernisation of its cruiser fleet.
The modernisation of its cruisers has been a headache for the US Navy. Although the service has spent billions to extend the service life of Ticonderoga-class guided-missile vessels, the process recorded delays, over costs and quality issues, which could put its fleet far behind Chinese capabilities in the coming years.
A report issued by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO) last week pointed out that the branch had invested nearly US$4 billion to upgrade seven Ticonderoga ships. Only three of them, however, will complete the improvement process and “none will gain five years of service life, as intended”, the report noted.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Singapore to add two more submarines to fleet as it hikes defence spending]()
Singapore to add two more submarines to fleet as it hikes defence spending
Singapore’s army and navy look set to benefit from increases in the country’s defence budget, with submarines and IFVs on the shopping list.
-
![Lockheed Martin wins three new DoD naval contracts including on Littoral Combat Ships]()
Lockheed Martin wins three new DoD naval contracts including on Littoral Combat Ships
Lockheed Martin has won contracts and contract modifications on systems and platforms ranging from missile systems and naval helicopters to Littoral Combat Ships.
-
![Saab to supply combat system for Colombian Navy’s frigates]()
Saab to supply combat system for Colombian Navy’s frigates
A deal between Saab and Damen Naval will add significantly to the technological fit of Colombia’s new vessels.
-
![Long development phases for capital ships not viable to deal with future threats, says Indra]()
Long development phases for capital ships not viable to deal with future threats, says Indra
Defence technology firm Indra believes governments, militaries and industry must focus more on technology to achieve effective naval warfighting.
