General Dynamics Electric Boat supports US-UK strategic weapon programme
Screenshot of video showing the submarine test-launch of an unarmed Trident II D5. (Image: UK RN)
A contract modification covers the production of support kits for strategic weapons deployed on UK RN submarines.
General Dynamics Electric Boat has obtained a $313.95 million contract modification from US Naval Sea Systems Command to continue work on a joint strategic weapon programme with the UK RN.
The deal covers the production of additional kits for the UK Strategic Weapon Support System and ‘submarine industrial base development and expansion’ as part of the integrated enterprise plan supporting Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines.
Work is expected to be completed by September 2029.
The contract modification also covers the broader nuclear shipbuilding enterprise including Virginia-class submarines and the aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford under the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act, the DoD revealed on 18 May.
From a UK perspective, the kits to be manufactured by Electric Boat will support the Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles carried by Vanguard-class submarines.
Between eight and 12 Trident II D5s will also arm the four future Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Desan Shipyard to build Malaysia’s largest ever coast guard vessel]()
Desan Shipyard to build Malaysia’s largest ever coast guard vessel
The vessel should join the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in 2017.
-
![US Navy tests Aegis combat system for hypersonic missile defence]()
US Navy tests Aegis combat system for hypersonic missile defence
The Arleigh Burke destroyer USS Pinckney undertook the tests against a simulated SM-6 missile.
-
![Royal Navy destroyer completes UAV live-fire exercise before heading to the Indo-Pacific]()
Royal Navy destroyer completes UAV live-fire exercise before heading to the Indo-Pacific
HMS Dauntless ran a full UAV test to mimic potential real-world threats.
-
![Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates]()
Havelsan sells ADVENT CMS into Chilean Navy frigates
The system is intended to add enhanced operational precision to two ageing vessels.
-
![Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping]()
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
