The Navy said this week it wants to add dozens of ships and submarines to its fleet, which would bring the total number of vessels to 355.
According to USNI News, the Navy's latest report estimates that a fleet of 355 ships and subs is the minimum size it needs to "comply with [Pentagon] strategic guidance."
The desired number, according to the report, is 653 ships.
The new figure is an increase of 47 from a 2014 report which called for a minimum 308-ship Naval force. Recent military moves by Russia and China likely played a role.
"As we evaluate the options presented in these studies and move to include them in our plans for tomorrow's Navy, this FSA will need to be updated to reflect those changes that are determined to be most beneficial to meeting the Navy's missions of the future," said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, reports Defense News.
A breakdown of the recommended fleet additions:
- Aircraft carriers: Add one, bringing the total to 12.
- Large surface combatants: Add 16, bringing the total to 104.
- Amphibious warfare ships: Add four, bring the total to 38.
- Attack submarines: Add 18, bringing the total to 66.
- Combat logistics force: Add three, bringing the total to 32.
- Expeditionary support base: Add three, bringing the total to six.
- Command and support ships: Add two, bringing the total to 23.
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