General Dynamics Electric Boat has announced it has been awarded a significant contract worth $1.85 billion aimed at purchasing essential components and initiating early construction processes for future Virginia-class submarines for the U.S. Navy. This contract is part of a broader initiative to maintain the production timeline of the submarine program and ensure that suppliers are adequately prepared to meet increasing production needs.
Mark Rayha, the president of General Dynamics Electric Boat, emphasized the importance of consistent funding and support, stating that such contract modifications are crucial for the shipyards to achieve the high rate of submarine production the Navy requires.
The Virginia-class submarine program, which was launched in 1998, has seen the procurement of a total of 40 submarines. Currently, 24 of these vessels are actively in service, while another 16 are either under construction or awaiting delivery. These submarines are particularly notable for their versatility in conducting both open-ocean and coastal missions, effectively replacing the older Los Angeles-class submarines as they are phased out.
Key features of the Virginia-class submarines include a reconfigurable torpedo room designed to host special operations forces and their equipment for extended missions. Additionally, the submarines are equipped with a large lockout trunk for deploying divers and are incorporated with advanced capabilities to support future unmanned systems. The design of the Virginia-class allows for modular construction and open architecture, utilizing commercial off-the-shelf components that facilitate rapid upgrades and seamless system integration.
Recent achievements by General Dynamics Electric Boat highlight the ongoing progress within the Virginia-class submarine program. In May, the company secured a substantial $12.4 billion contract to build two additional Block V Virginia-class attack submarines, designated SSN-812 (USS Baltimore) and SSN-813 (USS Atlanta). Furthermore, in April, the U.S. Navy officially commissioned its 24th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, notable for being the sixth vessel configured with Block IV features, which include expanded missile launch capabilities and additional torpedo tubes.
Earlier developments were marked in March when General Dynamics Electric Boat received a $1.06 billion contract to procure long-lead components needed for Block VI submarines. This procurement encompasses a range of crucial elements, including engines, turbines, electric drives, control systems, and sonar equipment, all vital for the enhancements of the next generation of submarines.
