Naval Acquisition in the United States & Russia

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to examine and draw comparisons between the military acquisition processes of the United States and Russia using a case study approach similar to the NPS thesis titled “Comparison of Naval Acquisition Processes Between the United States and Taiwan”, written by LCDR Chih-Chieh Liu in 2021. The objective is to research techniques each nation uses to acquire next-generation ballistic submarines, identifying and comparing key efficiencies and deficiencies between the U.S. and Russian Naval acquisition processes to make recommendations to enhance the American Department of Defense. Multiple scholarly articles and reports provided information necessary to conclude that the U.S. places great emphasis on cost control and meeting milestones, whereas Russia focuses on readiness through increasing its size under heavy state control. The U.S. Navy should take multiple steps towards bettering its major acquisition programs, holding the Program Offices accountable to use cutting-edge software to produce actionable data and ensure schedule risk analysis in addition to investing in public shipyards as a top priority to national security. Russia would benefit from increased transparency, investing in public-private partnerships and data analysis, and fostering a culture where stakeholders embrace innovation and do not fear failure. There is great opportunity in future research in this field as it is important to learn from both allies and adversaries.