General Dynamics Electric Boat received a five-ship contract modification for the Columbia-class programme. Electric Boat and HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding received the Virginia-class award covering fiscal years 2025 through 2029.
The package also incorporates previously awarded funding for productivity improvements at both shipbuilders. The investments are intended to support production capacity and delivery across the nuclear submarine industrial base.
The Navy now has seven Columbia-class submarines under contract. It operates 26 Virginia-class submarines, while another 23 are scheduled for construction.
The Columbia class will provide the sea-based component of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. The programme is designed to meet requirements established by U.S. Strategic Command.
The Virginia class supports tactical strike and multi-mission operations. The enhanced submarines are designed to provide stealth, heavy payload capacity and multi-domain combat capabilities.
“This historic investment underscores the Department’s continued commitment to undersea superiority and the recapitalization of our nuclear triad,” said Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher, Director, Submarine Programs. “By securing the continuous production of both the Columbia and Virginia classes, we ensure we will continue to deliver the world’s most lethal, survivable and resilient combat platform to our global Combatant Commanders, while providing long-term stability to our shipbuilding industrial base.”
“These submarines will assure our allies and deter our adversaries while serving as a key part of our joint forces by projecting combat power into denied areas and defending our nation and its interests for decades to come.” The awards extend the shipbuilding partnership between Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding.
Electric Boat operates its principal submarine facilities in Groton, Connecticut. Newport News Shipbuilding builds nuclear-powered vessels in Newport News, Virginia.
Congress provided funding for the package, including investments approved through the budget reconciliation process. The department said bipartisan support enabled the submarine awards and related industrial-base spending.
“These awards represent a major milestone in our defense acquisition transformation,” said Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey. “I commend Vice Admiral Gaucher and his team at the Navy for seamlessly carrying this forward to execution.”
“This is how we rebuild the industrial base together.” The department identifies the Columbia-class submarine as its highest acquisition priority.
The Columbia class will serve as the most survivable component of the U.S. nuclear triad. Virginia-class submarines will provide tactical strike and multi-mission capabilities alongside the strategic fleet.
