General Dynamics awarded $1.3 billion for Virginia submarines
GD is the prime contractor and builds them with HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS). (Photo: GD)
Around 50 Virginia class submarines are planned for the US Navy (USN) with a total of 38 currently ordered and 21 having been delivered from various blocks.
General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) has received US$1.3 billion to order long lead items for Virginia-class Block VI nuclear fast-attack submarines and follows on from similar orders earlier this year.
It is expected that between 11 and 13 boats will be ordered in Block VI starting with SSN 812 and it is likely this is the last long lead contract to be placed before construction contracts are awarded. SSN 812 up to SSN 822 are expected to have a total value of $53.9 billion.
In February, GDEB was awarded $151 million contract for Virginia-class submarines SSN 814, SSN 815, SSN 816 and SSN 817, in July 2024 $181 million for long-lead time material associated with the Virginia Class Block VI submarines, and in October 2023 $216.5 million for SSN 814 and SSN 815.
In the light of 2022’s damage to the Nordic Stream gas pipeline, one of the two new Block VI boats requested in the FY2024 US Navy budget would be built to a special configuration labelled as the ‘modified Virginia-class subsea and seabed warfare (Mod VA SSW)’ variant.
In April 2024, the USN took delivery of its 23rd Virginia-class submarine USS New Jersey (SSN 796), the 11th boat built by NNS with 12 other boats built by GDEB. USS New Jersey was christened in November 2021 at NNS and the submarine is expected to be commissioned later this year.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Virginia Class Attack Submarine (SSN 823 - SSN 824)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme]()
Netherlands to acquire Finnish littoral assault craft in LCVP replacement programme
The Dutch navy had reportedly been considering BAE Systems’ Littoral Strike Craft to replace its ageing landing craft fleet.
-
![Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice]()
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
![Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation]()
Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.
-
![US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence]()
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
