USN orders tenth Block V Virginia-class submarine
General Dynamics Electric Boat is building a tenth Block V Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) for the USN, under a $2.42 billion contract modification announced on 19 March by the DoD.
The SSN will include the Virginia Payload Module for Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Work will be carried out by Electric Boat and principal subcontractor Huntington Ingalls Industries Newport News Shipbuilding, with a planned completion date of February 2030.
The first Block V Virginia-class submarine is scheduled for delivery in FY2025.
In December 2019, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) awarded a nine-boat Block V contract for Electric Boat. That $22.2 billion contract covers procurement from FY2019 to FY2023.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that nine of the ten Block V boats will be equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) for launching Tomahawk cruise missiles.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Virginia Class Attack Submarine (SSGN 812 - SSGN 822)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
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 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
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 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.
-
Global submarine suppliers compete for a rapidly shrinking market
Diminishing submarine competitions worldwide are leaving fewer acquisition opportunities, pushing contractors toward alternatives.