U.S. Navy Awards $2.28 Billion Contract to General Dynamics for Columbia-Class Submarines
The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a $2.28 billion contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat for the construction of five Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBN-828 to SSBN-832). These submarines, the largest ever built for the U.S.
Navy, will have a submerged displacement of 20,810 tonnes and a length of 560 feet. The first Columbia-class submarine was delivered in 2021, with construction ongoing at shipyards in Groton, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Virginia.
The Navy plans to replace its aging Ohio-class submarines with 12 Columbia-class submarines, beginning one-for-one replacements starting in 2031. The total procurement cost for the Columbia class is $126.4 billion.
The lead submarine, USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826), is expected to cost $15.2 billion. The Pentagon has requested an additional $1.59 billion to ensure timely delivery and maintain deterrent capabilities amid increased global tensions.
