US Navy Virginia class Block V contract awarded
The build of the next iteration of the Virginia-class submarine operated by the US Navy has been placed under contract by the US Naval Sea Systems Command in a $22.2 billion fixed-price, multi-year procurement through FY2019-23.
Submarine builders General Dynamics Electric Boat will incorporate the new Virginia Payload Module (VPM) onto eight of the nine Block V boats due to be constructed under the contract, with the possibility of another Virginia class with VPM held on option.
Commenting on the award on 2 December acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly said that the announcement ‘affirms our commitment to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
Maritime defence in the Mediterranean faces challenges from vulnerable land power
As an indispensable energy crossroads, the Mediterranean is at serious risk from grey zone disruption. As navies increasingly employ AI data centres, what happens when cutting-edge defence technologies rely on the very infrastructure most susceptible to hybrid tactics?
-
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
Future Canadian Continental Defence Corvette will provide “Halifax-equivalent capabilities”
Although the CDC project is still in its early stages, the Canadian Department of National Defence already has some requirements for the future platforms.
-
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
-
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.