Electric Boat gains another contract for Virginia-class design and support
USS Virginia. (Photo: USN/Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Myers)
General Dynamics Electric Boat has obtained a $482.11 million contract modification from Naval Sea Systems Command for ‘lead yard support and development studies and design efforts related to Virginia-class submarines [SSNs]’, the DoD announced on 8 October.
Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut (96%); Newport News, Virginia (3%); and Newport and Quonset, Rhode Island (1%), and is expected to be completed by October 2022.
Half of the 38 Virginia-class boats on order have been delivered to the USN, according to Shephard Defence Insight.
The USN on 1 October reorganised its Programme Executive Offices (PEOs) for submarines.
PEO Attack Submarines (SSN), formally PEO Submarines, will consolidate USN attack submarine platform acquisition, development, and sustainment under one office.
PEO SSN head RADM David Goggins said that aligning Virginia-class construction efforts under the new PEO would enable 'more effective planning' for the lifetime of the class and allow a smoother transition from construction to in-service for the class.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Indo Pacific 2025: Australian Defence Force sets its sights on autonomy
Multiple autonomous systems and technologies were on display at this year’s Indo Pacific, but questions remain over how the Australian Department of Defence will balance the books.
-
How the UK Royal Navy is powering up its hybrid fleet to combat new threats
Since it announced its move towards a new “hybrid navy” earlier this year, the force has announced a number of new uncrewed technologies in the works.
-
US and UK to begin Trident II D5 Increment 8 in October 2026
Trident II D5 Increment 8 will involve improvements to the shipboard navigation subsystem for the US Ohio and Columbia and the UK Dreadnought and Vanguard submarine classes.
-
What capabilities has the US deployed in the Caribbean and South America to engage “drug boats”?
The US arsenal includes amphibious assault and littoral combat ships, cutters, destroyers, landing platform docks, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, drones, ISR aircraft, helicopters and fighters.
-
HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy
As HMS Agamemnon moves closer towards joining the UK’s in-service submarine fleet, how does the sixth Astute-class fit into the Royal Navy’s defence strategy?