General Dynamics has secured a $1.06-billion contract to begin procuring hard-to-acquire components for the US Navy’s Virginia-class Block VI submarines.
Announced on Tuesday, the deal covers the early acquisition of long lead-time materials — critical components that require significant time to manufacture, process, or deliver.
These materials may include engines, turbines, electric drive systems, advanced electronics, control systems, and sonar technologies.
Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat, emphasized that the contract highlights the importance of investing in the capacity and materials needed to ramp up production.
“Consistent funding for the supply base is essential to achieve the high-rate production the Navy requires of the entire submarine enterprise,” he said.
Securing long lead-time materials early is crucial for avoiding production delays on large-scale projects, ensuring they stay on track despite extended procurement timelines.
About the Block VI Iteration
The Virginia-class Block VI represents the latest iteration of this advanced attack submarine, incorporating significant upgrades for improved efficiency and versatility.
Notably, it will be the second generation of Virginia-class submarines to feature the Virginia Payload Module, enhancing its ability to carry a wider range of weapons.
A key objective of the Block VI upgrade is reducing production costs by utilizing more cost-effective construction methods while maintaining the platform’s advanced capabilities.
In August 2024, General Dynamics also secured $1.3 billion in funding to procure long lead-time materials for the first Block VI submarines.
Once completed, the Virginia-class Block VI submarines will play a pivotal role in ensuring the US Navy’s continued dominance in the undersea domain.
