General Dynamics Electric Boat supports US-UK strategic weapon programme
Screenshot of video showing the submarine test-launch of an unarmed Trident II D5. (Image: UK RN)
A contract modification covers the production of support kits for strategic weapons deployed on UK RN submarines.
General Dynamics Electric Boat has obtained a $313.95 million contract modification from US Naval Sea Systems Command to continue work on a joint strategic weapon programme with the UK RN.
The deal covers the production of additional kits for the UK Strategic Weapon Support System and ‘submarine industrial base development and expansion’ as part of the integrated enterprise plan supporting Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines.
Work is expected to be completed by September 2029.
The contract modification also covers the broader nuclear shipbuilding enterprise including Virginia-class submarines and the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford under the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act, the DoD revealed on 18 May.
From a UK perspective, the kits to be manufactured by Electric Boat will support the Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles carried by Vanguard-class submarines.
Between eight and 12 Trident II D5s will also arm the four future Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Harland & Wolff boss touts UK credentials of support ship win]()
Harland & Wolff boss touts UK credentials of support ship win
Harland & Wolff hopes investment in its yards and partnership with Navantia can help deliver three new ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary on time.
-
![Royal Navy selects Naval Strike Missile]()
Royal Navy selects Naval Strike Missile
The UK is joining a growing club of Naval Strike Missile operators with an ambition to get the weapon on ships and into service in a little over 12 months.
-
![Royal Navy to get upgraded torpedo launchers and countermeasures]()
Royal Navy to get upgraded torpedo launchers and countermeasures
Six of the Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare frigates will receive torpedo launcher upgrades.
-
![Secretive China enhances its SSBN fleet and weaponry]()
Secretive China enhances its SSBN fleet and weaponry
There is growing evidence that production of new nuclear-powered submarines is proceeding in China, as well as a startling declaration that new submarine-launched nuclear-tipped missiles are already in service.
-
![HII authenticates keel for Virginia-class submarine]()
HII authenticates keel for Virginia-class submarine
The keel authentication marks a key milestone in producing the future hunter-killer submarine.
