38-year-old submarine USS Ohio returns to service after refi

https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/38-year-old_submarine_USS_Ohio_returns_to_service_after_refitting_999.html

 

The USS Ohio, the Navy's oldest guided missile submarine, completed 27 months of refitting and is ready for duty, the Naval Sea Systems Command announced.

 

 

 

 A brand-new Virginia-class attack submarine (SSN) today is estimated to cost in the ballpark of $4 to $5.8 billion

 

Comparison: USS Ohio vs What a New Sub Would Likely Be Better At

Here’s where a brand new sub would likely outperform an older one like Ohio:

• Noise & stealth: Newer subs will generally be quieter and better at avoiding detection than a 1980s-era hull and systems, even with upgrades.

• Sensor suite & detection range: A new design will likely have more advanced sonar and detection capabilities.

• Flexibility & modularity: A new sub may be more modular, supporting more mission types or being upgraded more easily.

• Efficiency & crew workload: Newer designs will likely reduce crew load, have more automation, and more efficient internal systems.

• Weaponry: While Ohio is formidable (154 Tomahawks is a huge strike load), new subs might carry more advanced missiles (hypersonics, future cruise missiles) and integrate unmanned systems to extend reach.

• Survivability / signature reduction: New subs would better manage signatures (acoustic, magnetic, etc.) and include newer countermeasures.

• Future-proofing: A new sub will more easily accept upgrades, adapt to new warfare domains (e.g. unmanned underwater systems, AI, networked warfare) than a retrofitted older one.