New US Navy contract speeds up stealth nuclear submarine program

The US Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $15.38 billion contract modification to accelerate the Columbia-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) program. This funding aims to address supply chain disruptions and delays that have slowed the delivery of the first submarines in the 12-vessel fleet, which is set to replace the aging Ohio-class submarines by the 2030s. The Columbia-class submarines, measuring 560 feet in length and capable of speeds over 20 knots with a diving depth exceeding 800 feet, will be the largest in the Navy’s history. They are armed with 16 Trident D5 ballistic missiles and feature advanced stealth technologies, including noise-reducing propulsion and acoustic coatings. The program has faced challenges such as supply chain disruptions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, delayed material deliveries, and redesign efforts. Additionally, the US submarine supplier base has significantly contracted from about 17,000 suppliers in 1980 to 3,500 in