Earlier this year, General Dynamics received a substantial $987 million contract to further develop and support the Navy’s various submarine programs.

Every branch of the US military has its eyes set on next-generation technologies. From fighter jets and aircraft carriers to stealth bombers and submarines, incorporating the latest and greatest features amidst escalating tensions across the globe is being prioritized all around. Carrying more than half of America’s operational nuclear deterrent arsenal, the US Navy’s fleet of submarines is arguably one of the most important components of the service. In fact, these vessels certainly make up the most survivable leg of the US nuclear triad. To ensure its SSN fleets remain superior to foreign adversaries, the Navy is putting many of its eggs in its upcoming nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarines—the Columbia-class.

General Dynamics Will Develop the Navy’s New Submarines

Earlier this year, manufacturer General Dynamics Electric Boat received a substantial $987 million contract to further develop and support the Navy’s various submarine programs. According to Defense News, this contract includes the production of the Columbia-class submarines, as well as the Virginia-class SSNs.

“This contract modification funds important shipyard and supply chain work essential to achieving the necessary growth in output and supports our efforts to accelerate submarine delivery,” General Dynamics Electric Boat President Mark Rayha commented. “The ongoing support for the shipyards and our supply base from the Navy, Congress, and the administration is appreciated and necessary for us to meet the Navy’s current and future demand for submarines.” 

What Are the Capabilities of the Columbia-Class Submarines?

Designed to eventually replace the Navy’s Ohio-class submarines, the Columbia boats will play a vital role in the service’s sea-based strategy once introduced. This upcoming class has been in the design phase since the early 2000s, and it is now confirmed that a total of 12 Columbia-class submarines will be produced by Electric Boat with the help of Newport News Shipbuilding over the next decade or so. While many of the details surrounding this upcoming submarine program remain highly classified, the service has divulged some of the ordinance power these vessels will pack. Notably, each Columbia SSN will be equipped with 16 missile tubes for launching Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles. From the ninth Columbia-class boat onwards, an upgraded D5LE2 ballistic missile will be installed, which is a jointly designed British-American weapon.

While the Columbia ships will certainly elevate the Navy’s firepower when eventually introduced, shipbuilding issues, design setbacks, and other roadblocks have pushed back the production trajectory of these submarines substantially. Last year, the Navy reported that the lead ship of the Columbia-class is estimated to be delivered up to 16 months behind schedule. As detailed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), “Cost and schedule performance for lead submarine construction has consistently fallen short of targets.” Through early 2024, those trends had not improved, and future risks will likely add to current cost and schedule growth. The program has reported that the shipbuilder needs to take swift and significant actions to address the causes of poor construction performance.” Until the Navy’s shipbuilding apparatus can get back on track, the timely introduction of the Columbia submarines seems unlikely.