General Dynamics Electric Boat supports US-UK strategic weapon programme
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
-
Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts
In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
-
Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover
Alongside progress on its Lionfish contracts, Leonardo emphasised its shift in focus from traditional larger calibre systems toward smaller calibre solutions, epitomised by the X-Gun’s inception in 2017.
-
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
-
Royal Navy welcomes mine-hunting mothership
RFA Stirling Castle, a 6,000-tonne vessel, will start operations later this year.
-
Norway’s aim to purchase new frigates may impact Royal Navy’s own fleet production
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has only so far confirmed that discussions have been taking place with BAE Systems, but a decision has yet to be made, according to The Telegraph.