The U.S. Navy has awarded $76.6 billion in contracts to General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII for the construction of Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines…
The contract covers the construction of nine Virginia-class attack submarines and five Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines.
Of the total contract value, $42.1 billion is allocated for the construction of nine Block VI Virginia-class attack submarines.
An additional $29.5 billion is allocated for five Build II Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, which will modernize the sea-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, while $5 billion will support workforce and shipyard productivity improvements.
The Block VI Virginia-class submarines will be the second group to feature the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), configured to carry Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles or future long-range hypersonic missiles planned for the U.S. Navy.
Building upon Block V enhancements, the Block VI configuration incorporates new sonar, updated combat systems, and improved acoustic measures.
Block VI Virginia-class submarines will feature a Virginia Payload Module containing four large-diameter payload tubes, providing capacity for an additional 28 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles.
Earlier Virginia-class variants displace approximately 7,800 tons, measure about 115 meters in length, can reach speeds exceeding 25 knots, and are armed with Mk 48 torpedoes and Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles.
The Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines measure approximately 171 meters in length with a displacement of 21,140 tons…