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The Department of War has moved to expand U.S. undersea capabilities with a sweeping set of submarine awards worth a combined $76.6 billion, advancing both the nation’s strategic deterrent and its fast-attack fleet while channeling additional funds into shipyard productivity.
In a notice issued from Washington, the department said it awarded a five-ship contract modification to General Dynamics Electric Boat for Columbia Class ballistic missile submarines, and a nine-ship contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII–Newport News Shipbuilding for Virginia Class submarines to be built across Fiscal Years 2025 through 2029. The package also encompasses previously awarded investments aimed at boosting output at the two shipyards.
“These awards represent a historic investment in maritime modernization and supremacy, with a combined total value of $76.6B,” the department said.
The Columbia Class submarines will replace the aging Ohio-class ballistic missile fleet and anchor the sea-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad for decades, while the Virginia Class fast-attack boats are designed for missions ranging from intelligence collection and undersea warfare to long-range strike. Procuring multiple submarines across several fiscal years typically helps stabilize workloads, lock in supplier pricing, and retain skilled labor across the industrial base—key considerations as the Navy and its contractors work to recover schedule margin and increase throughput.
General Dynamics Electric Boat, based in Groton, Conn., and HII–Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., are the nation’s two nuclear-capable submarine builders and split construction of the Virginia Class. Electric Boat leads the Columbia Class program with significant module work performed by Newport News. Recent Navy and industry efforts have focused on expanding facilities, strengthening the supplier network, and training new tradespeople to address production delays and meet rising demand for undersea platforms.
The department’s announcement did not break out per-ship pricing or delivery schedules. Awards spanning FY 2025–FY 2029 will rely on future appropriations, and execution will proceed as funds are enacted.
