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
-
![Russian vessels exercise in English Channel and off Irish coast]()
Russian vessels exercise in English Channel and off Irish coast
One of the vessels present in both cases was armed with hypersonic cruise missiles.
-
![Australia narrows SEA 3000 frigate designs to TKMS and MHI]()
Australia narrows SEA 3000 frigate designs to TKMS and MHI
Two modular frigate designs will be considered as the replacement to Australia’s ageing Anzac-class.
-
![Latest Arleigh Burke destroyer commissioned]()
Latest Arleigh Burke destroyer commissioned
The vessel, DDG 122, will be named after enlisted marine John Basilone.
-
![Kongsberg awarded $960 million missile contract]()
Kongsberg awarded $960 million missile contract
The contract could rise to as much as US$1.1 billion and follows an announcement last month that Kongsberg was building a missile production facility in the US to meet burgeoning global demand.
