US Navy announces intent to ink $10B in contracts for first 2 Columbia subs

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy is poised to ink almost $10.4 billion in contracts with General Dynamics Electric Boat to procure the first two Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, which carry more than a dozen nuclear missiles on constant deterrent patrols.

The announcement, released by the Defense Department Monday afternoon, detailed an award of $869 million to Electric Boat to complete design work on the subs as part of a contract modification. The announcement also establishes the Navy’s intent to award an additional $9.5 billion for the first two hulls, which will happen once Congress officially approves the two-ship buy and appropriates the money.

“The intent would be to award that option as soon as possible after the FY21 appropriation to ensure we keep this No. 1 priority on track,” said James Geurts, the Navy’s assistant secretary for research, development and acquisition. “That will allow us to begin full-rate construction of the first ship, begin advanced construction on the second ship, with the intent of beginning construction of the second ship in 2024.”

RELATED

Nuclear deterrent still the US Navy’s top priority, no matter the consequences, top officer says

The US Navy is staring at an enormous bill to replace the aging Ohio class, yet the service has no choice but to press forward, its top officer says.

By David B. Larter

The first ship is slated for a 2028 deliver and to go on its first patrol in 2031. The total buy is planned for 12 submarines.

In a statement Rep. Joe Courntey, D-Conn., who represents the Electric Boat’s district, praised the announcement, saying it was years in the making.

“This award is the culmination of nearly a decade’s worth of preparation for this milestone moment for our region and our nation,” Courntey said. “The replacement of our sea-based strategic deterrent comes only once every other generation, and this work is already fueling unprecedented growth in the workforce in Groton and transformation of the shipyard.”

The Columbia-class subs are the Navy’s top acquisition priority, and a monstrously expensive one at that. All in, the program will cost roughly $109 billion, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report, and the service faces an enormous challenge in balancing the rest of the fleet’s priorities with the Columbia bill.

More In Naval

Space Force missions delayed by rocket woes may not launch this year

Even if ULA's Vulcan rocket is certified in the coming weeks, time is running out to fly the missions before the end of the year, an official said.

Pentagon picks programmers to connect its Replicator drone swarms

The announcement comes a week after the Pentagon revealed several of the drones it plans to buy through Replicator.

Pentagon announces hypersonic testing pact with UK, Australia

The agreement, which falls under AUKUS Pillar II, aims to leverage the three nations’ combined hypersonics funding, facilities and experience.

Notre Dame unveils first-ever hypersonic Mach 10 wind tunnel

A first-of-its-kind test facility unveiled earlier this month at the University of Notre Dame could improve the Pentagon’s hypersonic research.

Space Force targeting more affordable GPS satellites

The program comes amid growing concern from Pentagon and other government leaders about GPS vulnerability.