Columbia-class construction deal marks a watershed for USN
Exception to usual budgeting rules allows work to proceed on first pair of new SSBNs – but will there be implications for other USN modernisation programmes?
The USN on 5 November executed a landmark contract with General Dynamics Electric Boat to begin construction on a new generation of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), in a major milestone that keeps the top-priority Columbia-class programme on schedule.
Under a $9.4 billion cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification, General Dynamics will begin construction and test activities on the lead and second boats (SSBN 826 and SSBN 827). It will also undertake associated design and engineering support.
‘Columbia is the Navy’s number-one acquisition priority programme,’ said USN acquisition executive James Geurts. ‘Awarding this contract on-time is vital to keeping the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment]()
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
![South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest]()
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
![Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline]()
Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline
Japan’s FY2027 defence budget backs stand-off strike, a 17-aircraft MQ-9B buy and a declared bid to lead the world in uncrewed maritime assets, alongside new frigates, submarines and support ships.
-
![Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand]()
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
-
![Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones]()
Ukraine’s new long-range 12m autonomous vessel can deploy other drones
Ukraine’s UForce unveiled the MV11 uncrewed surface vessel, designed to launch and support other naval drones at sea, fuelling debate over the future of autonomous maritime task groups.
