General Dynamics Electric Boat has received a potential $1.3-billion contract modification to procure long lead time materials for the US Navy’s Virginia-class Block VI submarines.
The deal supports the Pentagon’s efforts to employ a 21st-century capable nuclear-powered fast-attack fleet to replace the navy’s aging Los Angeles-class submarines.
Work for the contract will be conducted in California and multiple other states across the country.
Associated tasks are scheduled for completion by September 2025.
General Dynamics’ latest contract builds on a similar award in February 2024 for Block V Virginias valued at $150.9 million.
In October 2023, the company signed the program’s initial long lead material contract for $216.5 million.
“This contract modification sends a crucial demand signal, enabling our suppliers to invest in the capacity and materials needed to increase production volume,” General Dynamics Electric Boat President Kevin Graney remarked.
“Consistent funding for the supply base is essential to achieve the high-rate production the Navy requires of the entire submarine enterprise.”
Modern Subsea Assets
The future Virginia Block VI systems will incorporate the design and solutions of the current Block V configuration but with added payload modules for enhanced lethality and “seabed warfare” operability.
Currently, nine Block V submarines are under construction with General Dynamics and industry partner Huntington Ingalls Industries.
Meanwhile, six Block IVs are still being finalized by the consortium.
The latest platform of the Virginia fleet, the USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795), was commissioned in Connecticut in October last year.
The Virginia Submarine
Depending on its type, the Virginia submarine measures 377 to 460 feet (114.9 to 140.2 meters) in length.
It is powered by a 280,000-horsepower nuclear reactor, twin steam turbines, a pump jet, and a propulsion motor.
The vessel has a top speed of 25 knots (46 kilometers/29 miles per hour), an operational depth of more than 800 feet (244 meters), and the capacity for approximately 135 personnel.
The submarine is armed with Tomahawk subsonic cruise missiles, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and heavyweight torpedoes.