General Dynamics Electric Boat has awarded Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) a $567.6-million subcontract to provide long-term material support and advanced construction services for the US Navy’s future Columbia-class submarines.
The agreement allows HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding division to procure major components and equipment, advancing the development of the next five Columbia-class submarines.
Currently, HII is working on sub-surface modules for the first two vessels of the class, the USS District of Columbia (SSBN 826) and Wisconsin (SSBN 827).
“This contract modification underscores the critical manufacturing work our shipbuilders do for the US Navy, as major contributors to the Columbia-class,” Newport News Shipbuilding’s Brandi Smith stated.
“When delivered to the fleet, these submarines and their crews will protect peace and freedom around the world, in service of the nation. Our shipbuilders understand the responsibility, commitment and discipline required of them each day, and take great pride in supporting this mission.”
Progress in Columbia-Class Development
In 2022, General Atomics delivered the lead Columbia submarine’s first tranche of bearing support structures.
Curtiss-Wright was contracted the same year to provide the submarine with generators. In December, General Dynamics was awarded a $5.1 billion contract for advanced development of critical components for the following five Columbia-class vessels.
Earlier in April, Leonardo received a $1-billion contract to deliver propulsion components for the future Columbia-class vessels. The pieces feature a stealthier electric-drive propulsion system not found in other US submarines.