A recent study by the Joint Chiefs of Staff has concluded that the US Navy needs 68 submarines, not the 50 envisioned by the Clinton Administration, to perform its missions. The existing subs are to be refitted starting in 2002 with sensor antennas with increased sensitivity so that they can do a better job of gathering intelligence. The Navy eventually wants to refit the subs with Unmanned Underwater Vehicles for recon work. The Boeing Long-range Mine Reconnaissance System is expected to enter service in 2003, and the Navy wants to upgrade this into a multi-mission platform with interchangeable modules for various types of missions.--Stephen V Cole