WASHINGTON – Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded a two-ship contract modification on the existing Virginia-class submarine Block V contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) for the construction of two FY 2024 Virginia-class submarines.
The award signals the Navy’s commitment to maintaining its warfighting advantage in the undersea domain and continues the Virginia-class's teaming arrangement between prime contractor GDEB in Groton, Connecticut, and the major subcontractor Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding, Newport News (HII-NNS) in Newport News, Virginia. To date, the Navy has taken delivery of 24 Virginia-class submarines, with an additional 16 now under contract.
“We recently re-negotiated the planned contract to deliver this critical capability, and appropriately share risk between the Navy and industry,” said Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan. “We will be looking at all future contracts with a similar lens to ensure the appropriate level of risk sharing and value to the American taxpayer.”
Contract modifications were also awarded to both GDEB and HII-NNS, to increase workforce support and investment across nuclear shipbuilding programs.
“By investing in the nuclear shipbuilding workforce—which is a national strategic asset—we are working with our industry partners to deliver on this most critical future requirement,” said Dr. Brett Seidle, acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition.
"The contract award is the result of a highly coordinated contracting effort across the nuclear shipbuilding enterprise, to promote stability at critical suppliers as the submarine industrial base ramps up to meet a historic increase in demand for submarine production," said Program Executive Officer, Attack Submarines, Rear Adm. Jon Rucker. "We are continuing to work closely with the shipbuilders to improve construction schedules to support the Navy’s need for a larger more lethal force."
Capable of performing traditional submarine missions, dominating the littoral battlespace and adapting to future requirements, the Virginia-class submarine satisfies any assigned role well into the 21st century.
For more information on Virginia-class submarines, visit: Attack Submarines (SSN)