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.

[2] The related budget lines (0603570N and 0604850N) were included unchanged in the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act signed into law by President Joe Biden in December 2021.

It will also be designed to retain multi-mission capability and sustained combat presence in denied waters, with a renewed priority in the antisubmarine warfare (ASW) mission against sophisticated threats in greater numbers.

An initial small team was formed to consult with industry and identify the threat environment and technologies the submarine will need to operate against in the 2050-plus timeframe.

One area already identified is the need to integrate with off-board systems so future Virginia boats and the SSN(X) can employ networked, extremely long-ranged weapons.

[8] Researchers have identified a quieter advanced propulsion system and the ability to control multiple unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) at once as key SSN(X) components.

"[11] An updated CRS report from March 2023[5] included additional notes about the planned capabilities of the new submarines, taken from the Navy's budget justification documents for FY2024.

SSN(X) will conduct full spectrum undersea warfare and be able to coordinate with a larger contingent of off-hull vehicles, sensors, and friendly forces.