U.S. Navy finalizes $76.6 billion submarine contract
The U.S. Navy has signed a contract modification worth approximately $76,600,000,000 for the construction of Virginia-class attack submarines and Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. This project includes the construction of 14 submarines and the expansion of shipyard infrastructure.
According to a statement released by HII on July 29, 2026, the contract covers nine Virginia-class Block VI submarines and five Columbia-class Build II submarines. General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII Newport News Shipbuilding will participate as key players in the U.S. nuclear submarine construction team.
Virginia-class: 9 units built Columbia-class: 5 units built
Approximately $76.6 billion is the total amount of contract modifications awarded to the two shipbuilding companies. This funding supports not only the construction of submarines but also investments in shipyard infrastructure necessary to expand production capacity.
- Virginia-class Block VI: Attack submarines, 9 units.
- Columbia-class Build II: Five strategic nuclear submarines, each equipped with ballistic missiles .
- Additional projects: Expansion of shipyard infrastructure and establishment of a nuclear submarine production system.
Electric Boat is the prime contractor and key design and construction contractor for both submarine programs. The Newport News shipyard serves as a co-construction partner, responsible for hull section fabrication, final assembly, and delivery.
Mission and power capabilities of the Virginia-class Block VI submarines
The Virginia-class submarines are the next-generation attack submarines of the U.S. Navy, performing missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, land attack, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, mine warfare, and support for special operations forces. Their key strengths are the long submerged endurance provided by the nuclear propulsion system and their stealth capabilities.
According to U.S. Navy data, the Virginia-class submarines are designed with a modular design and an open system architecture, allowing for the integration of new sensors, weapons, and underwater payloads throughout their service life.
Post-class submarines are equipped with the Virginia Payload Module, which features a large launch tube. This module expands the capability to operate a variety of weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, and unmanned underwater systems.
Columbia-class Build II and U.S. Nuclear Deterrence
The Columbia-class is a next-generation strategic nuclear submarine in the United States, designed to replace the aging Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. The U.S. Navy plans to procure a total of 12 ships to maintain its sea-based nuclear deterrence capability for an extended period.
According to data from the U.S. Navy’s strategic systems program, the Columbia-class submarine will have 16 launch tubes for the Trident II D5 series submarine-launched ballistic missiles. It is designed to operate without intermediate nuclear fuel reloading, utilizing a reactor core that supports the entire lifespan of the vessel.
The U.S. Navy has designated the Columbia-class submarines as its top acquisition priority. These strategic nuclear submarines, which operate covertly for extended periods while maintaining retaliatory capabilities, are a key component of the U.S. nuclear triad, responsible for sea-based deterrence.
The role of electric boats and the Newport News shipyard
The Virginia-class submarines are being jointly built by Electric Boat and the Newport News Shipbuilding division. According to a statement from HII, the Newport News Shipbuilding division will be responsible for the construction of 6 out of the 9 Virginia-class submarines planned for this project.
In the Columbia-class program, the Newport News Shipbuilding division manufactures six hull modules per submarine and supplies them to Electric Boat. According to HII, the two companies have jointly built 26 Virginia-class submarines and delivered them to the U.S. Navy.
This agreement goes beyond the construction of individual submarines and signifies securing long-term production volumes for both shipyards and their subcontractors. It also provides sustained demand for the supply chains of critical components that require long-term production, such as special steel, reactor-related equipment, propulsion systems, and acoustic equipment.
Impact on the U.S. submarine industrial base
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has analyzed that the U.S. submarine industrial base is preparing a so-called “1+2” production system, which involves simultaneously building two Virginia-class submarines and one Columbia-class submarine per year. To achieve this, it is necessary to secure skilled personnel, expand facilities, and improve the production capabilities of suppliers.
However, the actual production rate of attack nuclear submarines has not reached the target level, and ensuring the delivery of contracted quantities according to the schedule is considered a key task. The long-term order, valued at approximately $76.6 billion, is seen as a measure to provide a more stable demand signal to shipyards and the supply chain.
The Virginia-class submarines will enhance underwater warfare capabilities and long-range precision strike capabilities, while the Columbia-class submarines will be responsible for replacing the existing strategic nuclear submarine fleet. This contract represents a concrete decision that outlines the long-term direction of the U.S. nuclear submarine production system, enabling the simultaneous execution of both projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the contract amount for the U.S. Navy submarine?
According to HII’s announcement, the total contract modification amount, which includes the construction of Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines and support for shipyard infrastructure, is approximately $76,600,000,000.
How many submarines will be built under this contract?
A total of 14 vessels are being considered: 9 Virginia-class Block VI attack submarines and 5 Columbia-class Build II strategic submarines.
What are the differences between the Virginia-class and the Columbia-class submarines?
The Virginia-class is an attack submarine that performs missions such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, land strikes, and reconnaissance. The Columbia-class is a strategic ballistic missile submarine that carries ballistic missiles and performs strategic nuclear deterrence missions.
Which company is responsible for submarine construction?
General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding are participating jointly in the project. Electric Boat will serve as the prime contractor, while Newport News Shipbuilding will be responsible for the production and assembly of major modules, as well as their delivery.
How many Ohio-class submarines will the Columbia-class submarines replace?
The U.S. Navy plans to build at least 12 Columbia-class submarines to sequentially replace the 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines that are currently performing strategic missions.
