The US Department of Defense has recently awarded a significant $1.8 billion contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat for the acquisition of long lead time materials to support the US Navy’s Virginia-class Block VI submarine program. This contract is part of a series of agreements designed to bolster the production pipeline for these advanced submarines, which play a crucial role in enhancing the Navy’s operational capabilities.
This latest award follows a $2.2 billion deal in 2023, a $1.3 billion agreement from August 2024, and an additional $1.06 billion contract from April. Each of these agreements focuses on the advanced procurement and construction efforts necessary for building the next generation of submarines that will serve in the Navy.
Earlier this year, General Dynamics also entered into a separate agreement aimed at providing lead yard support, component development, and enhancements to the supplier development process for the submarines. Work related to this most recent contract is set to take place in California and various other facilities across the country, with a completion target set for September 2035. The progress will be closely coordinated with the Naval Sea Systems Command, which is responsible for the Navy’s material and fielding operations.
The Virginia-class submarine program aims to provide the Navy with up to 66 nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines, designed for 21st-century warfare. These submarines are intended to replace the aging fleet of 62 Los Angeles-class submarines, many of which have already been decommissioned since their commissioning in the 1970s.
The Block VI submarines will maintain the core design and technologies of the existing Block V configuration while also introducing advanced payload module enhancements. These improvements are expected to significantly boost strike capabilities and operational effectiveness in maritime conflict situations. The Navy plans to build as many as 13 Block VI submarines, with the first three hulls designated as the USS Potomac (SSN 814), the USS Norfolk (SSN 815), and the USS Brooklyn (SSN 816) announced in January 2025.
The Virginia-class submarines are notable for their size, measuring between 377 to 460 feet (115 to 140 meters) depending on configuration, and accommodating approximately 130 personnel. They are equipped with a formidable arsenal, including subsonic cruise missiles, advanced anti-ship missiles, and heavyweight torpedoes, providing robust offensive capabilities against both surface and underwater threats.
Powering these submarines is a state-of-the-art 280,000-horsepower nuclear reactor, complemented by direct steam turbines, diesel generators, and a battery backup system. The submarines can reach speeds of 25 knots (46 kilometers or 29 miles per hour) and have an operational depth exceeding 800 feet (244 meters), with a maximum test/crush depth estimated at 1,800 feet (549 meters), underscoring their advanced engineering and operational effectiveness.
