The Virginia-class submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) up the Thames River, December 24, 2020. (DVIDS)
The US Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a whopping $1.3 billion contract modification to expedite the production of the next-generation Virginia-class Block VI submarines, the Department of Defense announced on Monday, August 5.
This next-generation submarine investment demonstrates the Pentagon’s commitment to maintaining a technologically advanced undersea fleet capable of meeting the challenges of the twenty-first century.
The contract, which will see work distributed across multiple states, will fund the procurement of critical long-lead materials essential for the construction of these advanced vessels.
By securing these components well in advance of construction, the Navy aims to accelerate production timelines and ensure the timely delivery of these vital assets.
The Virginia-class: A Modern Naval Powerhouse
The Virginia-class submarine has proven to be a formidable platform, combining stealth, firepower, and endurance.
It represents the pinnacle of decades of naval engineering and technological advancement, serving as the backbone of the US Navy’s undersea fleet since the early 2000s.
Born from the need to replace the aging Los Angeles-class, the Virginia-class submarine was envisioned as a more versatile and capable platform.
The program faced numerous challenges, including budget constraints and evolving operational requirements.
The US Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a whopping $1.3 billion contract modification to expedite the production of the next-generation Virginia-class Block VI submarines, the Department of Defense announced on Monday, August 5.
This next-generation submarine investment demonstrates the Pentagon’s commitment to maintaining a technologically advanced undersea fleet capable of meeting the challenges of the twenty-first century.
The contract, which will see work distributed across multiple states, will fund the procurement of critical long-lead materials essential for the construction of these advanced vessels.
By securing these components well in advance of construction, the Navy aims to accelerate production timelines and ensure the timely delivery of these vital assets.
The Virginia-class: A Modern Naval Powerhouse
The Virginia-class submarine has proven to be a formidable platform, combining stealth, firepower, and endurance.
It represents the pinnacle of decades of naval engineering and technological advancement, serving as the backbone of the US Navy’s undersea fleet since the early 2000s.
Born from the need to replace the aging Los Angeles-class, the Virginia-class submarine was envisioned as a more versatile and capable platform.
The program faced numerous challenges, including budget constraints and evolving operational requirements.
However, the collaboration between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries has resulted in a submarine that is truly a marvel of modern engineering.
The first Virginia-class submarine, the USS Virginia (SSN-774), was commissioned in 2004, and since then, it has undergone continuous refinement, with each subsequent block incorporating new technologies and capabilities.
USS Virginia (SSN 774) arrives at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, November 1, 2010. (DVIDS)
Block VI Variant
The upcoming Block VI variant is the result of years of research and development, incorporating advanced technologies to improve its capabilities.
Equipped with cutting-edge sensors, weapons systems, and automation, these submarines will be able to operate effectively in increasingly complex and contested maritime environments.
Blocks I and II established the Virginia-class foundation, incorporating new hull designs and advanced combat systems. Block III enhanced mission flexibility by introducing the Virginia Payload Module (VPM).
With nine Block V submarines currently under construction and six Block IVs nearing completion, the Navy is steadily expanding its submarine force.
Block IV Varian Status
Vermont (SSN-792) – In service
Oregon (SSN-793) – In service
Montana (SSN-794) – In service
Hyman G. Rickover (SSN-795) – In service
New Jersey (SSN-796) – In service
Iowa (SSN-797 – Launched
Massachusetts (SSN-798) – Launched
Idaho (SSN-799) – Under construction
Arkansas (SSN-800) – Under construction
Utah (SSN-801) – Under construction
Block V Variant Status
Oklahoma (SSN-802) – Under construction
Arizona (SSN-803) – Under construction
Barb (SSN-804) – Under construction
Tang (SSN-805) – Under construction
Wahoo (SSN-806) – Under construction
Silversides (SSN-807) – Under construction
John H. Dalton (SSN-808) – Authorized
Long Island (SSN-809) – Announced
San Francisco (SSN-810) – Announced
Miami (SSN-811) – Announced
The recent commissioning of the USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN-795) and USS New Jersey (SSN-796) marks the latest addition to the Virginia-class program.
USS Hyman G. Rickover (SSN 795) / (DVIDS)
Massive Investment Boosts US Submarine Program
The $1.3 billion contract awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat is a testament to the company’s expertise in submarine construction and its ability to deliver complex naval platforms.
By investing in the necessary infrastructure and workforce, Electric Boat is poised to meet the Navy’s ambitious production goals.
Substantial investments and technological advancements have backed the Virginia-class Block VI submarines, which will be a cornerstone of the US Navy’s undersea dominance for years to come.
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