The US Navy has committed $76.6 billion in new incentive contract modifications to expand production of its Virginia- and Columbia-class nuclear-powered submarine fleets. General Dynamics Electric Boat will receive $29.5 billion for five additional Build II Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines and $42.1 billion for nine Block VI Virginia-class fast-attack submarines, including funding to strengthen submarine production infrastructure. Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding will support both programs, serving as the delivery yard for six of the nine new Virginia-class submarines and producing six Columbia-class modules for each vessel. The work will be distributed across several US facilities and is expected to continue through 2038. The Navy plans to acquire 12 Columbia-class submarines to replace the aging Ohio-class fleet and preserve the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad. Virginia-class submarines are designed for a broad range of missions, including anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, land attack, ISR and special operations support. The expanded procurement underscores Washington’s continued focus on undersea dominance and industrial capacity.
