The U.S. Navy plans to build 12 of the world's most advanced nuclear ballistic missile submarines that are expected to ensure the United States' maritime supremacy until 2085.

The Ohio Replacement Submarine, also called the SSBN(X), is the future nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) designed to replace the 14 operational Trident missile-armed Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines.

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The first SSBN(X) is to begin construction in 2021 and enter service by 2031. The U.S. Navy has identified SSBN(X) as its top priority program.

SSBN(X) will be larger than the Ohio-class with a reported submerged displacement of some 20,815 tons compared to 18,750 tons for the Ohio-class.

SSBN(X) will be armed with 16 submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) as against the 24 SLBM launch tubes on the Ohio-class.

But the SSBN(X) will be far ahead in technology compared to the Ohio-class. The Navy that owing to the unique demands of strategic relevance, the SSBN(X) must be fitted with the most up-to-date capabilities and stealth to ensure their survivability throughout their full 40-year life span

The SSBN(X) is to be equipped with an electric-drive propulsion train compared to the mechanical-drive propulsion train used on other Navy submarines. The electric-drive system is expected to be quieter than a mechanical-drive system, making the SSBN(X) stealthier than the Ohio-class.

Electric drive is a propulsion system that uses an electric motor which turns the propeller of a submarine. It's part of a wider concept whose aim is to build an all-electric submarine.

The Navy said electric drives should reduce the life cycle cost of submarines while at the same time improving stealthiness.