Even with the Sea-Based Deterrence Fund, there is such an enormous demand for the Navy’s forces from the Pentagon’s combatant commanders around the globe, the service can’t meet the requirement, Courtney said. Certainly, the revised requirement for attack submarines will be larger than 48 boats. “The fact that the Navy has decided to do this speaks volumes,” Courtney said. “There is an acknowledgement that the number has to go up.”

Given the potential savings and the growing requirements, there is a good chance that the Navy will get a second Virginia-class boat in addition to the ORP. The Navy needs it, but funding will be the key. Only time will tell if Congress and the executive branch properly fund the Navy’s shipbuilding accounts.

Dave Majumdar is the defense editor of The National Interest. You can follow him on Twitter @DaveMajumdar.

Image: Flickr/Creative Commons.