SSGN “Tactical Trident” Subs: Special Forces and Super Strike
Related Stories: Americas - USA, BAE, Coastal & Littoral, Contracts - Awards, Contracts - Modifications, Design Innovations, Electronics - General, FOCUS Articles, Forces - Special Ops, General Dynamics, Issues - Political, Missiles - Precision Attack, New Systems Tech, Northrop-Grumman, Nuclear Weapons, Other Corporation, Power Projection, Procurement Innovations, Submarines, Transformation, UUVs & USVs, Underwater Weapons
At various times, DID has covered advance materials procurement and other contracts under the program to modify some of the USA’s nuclear-powered Ohio Class SSBN nuclear missile submarines to become long range conventional strike and special operations SSGN “Tactical Tridents.”
Four ultra-stealthy Ohio-class SSBNs are having their 24 Trident II D-5 nuclear ballistic missiles removed and replaced with up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. The USA is also adding accommodation for 66-102 special forces troops, special attachments for new Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS) or older Seal Delivery Vehicle (SDV) “mini-subs,” and a mission control center. In future, the SSGNs may also carry UUV underwater robotic vehicles and even UAVs for aerial operations.
(click to view full)
These modifications provide the USA with an impressive and impressively flexible set of conventional firepower, in a survivable and virtually undetectable platform that can remain on station for very long periods.
DID has updated its previous material and discusses the origins of this conversion program, the key players, the timeline, and the key technologies involved. We also offer comprehensive coverage of the announced contracts under this $1.4 billion refurbishment and conversion program to date, including a number of related ancillary contracts and programs. This will remain the updated DID Focus article for all materials related to the SSGN program. All 4 submarines have now returned to service, and they are beginning to execute key missions…
- The US Navy’s New SSGN Platform
- SSGN Conversions: Timelines & Program Contractors
- SSGN Tactical Trident: Contracts and Key Events
- SSGN Tactical Trident: Ancillary Programs
- Additional Readings
- Follow the 80/20 rule and save time
- Don't miss important facts
- Get the big picture, quickly
- Eliminate your blindspots
- Stay on top of new and forthcoming events
- Ability to conduct complex searches
- Procurement and doctrine issues
- Timeline of past and future program events
- Links to other useful resources
- Instant content access after payment
"Well written, interesting daily with information not readily available elsewhere...! You handle it with aplomb!" - a defense contractor CEO
