General Dynamics Electric Boat has secured a $1.85 billion contract to acquire essential components and commence early-phase construction for upcoming Virginia-class submarines for the US Navy.
The move is intended to maintain production timelines and ensure the readiness of the supply chain for future demands. Since its inception in 1998, the Virginia-class program has ordered 40 submarines—24 of which are operational, with 16 either under construction or awaiting delivery.
These submarines, built for both deep-sea and littoral operations, are gradually replacing the retiring Los Angeles-class vessels. General Dynamics has achieved several recent milestones in support of this program.
In May, it was awarded a $12.4 billion contract to construct two Block V Virginia-class submarines, the USS Baltimore (SSN-812) and USS Atlanta (SSN-813).
In April, the US Navy commissioned its 24th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine—its sixth Block IV variant—featuring enhanced missile launch capabilities and extra torpedo tubes.
Earlier, in March, General Dynamics received a $1.06 billion contract for the procurement of long-lead items for the upcoming Block VI submarines.
