The US Navy submarine contract, valued at $76.6 billion, awards General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding funding for nine Block VI Virginia-class attack submarines and five Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, according to an official announcement.
The department said the awards, finalized on July 29, 2026, include a five-ship modification to Electric Boat for Columbia-class SSBNs, a nine-ship award to Electric Boat and HII-Newport News for Virginia-class boats covering fiscal years 2025 through 2029, and previously authorized investments to improve shipyard productivity. Officials described the combined package as a once-in-a-generation commitment to undersea power and nuclear deterrence.
US Navy submarine contract underpins triad recapitalization
According to program leaders, the Columbia class will fulfill U.S. Strategic Command requirements for a sea-based strategic deterrent. The Virginia class, designed for high stealth, large strike payloads, and multi-mission operations, will continue to anchor the Navy’s attack submarine fleet. With these actions, seven Columbia-class submarines are now under contract. The Navy currently operates 26 Virginia-class submarines, with 23 additional hulls planned.
“This historic investment underscores the Department’s continued commitment to undersea superiority and the recapitalization of our nuclear triad,” Vice Adm. Robert Gaucher, Director, Submarine Programs, said. He added that maintaining production on both classes will deliver a highly survivable combat platform to combatant commands while stabilizing the shipbuilding industrial base.
Navy officials highlighted the long-standing teaming arrangement between Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, and HII-Newport News in Virginia, which share construction responsibilities for both submarine programs.
Program leaders credited congressional funding for making the awards possible, citing bipartisan backing that supports industrial base capacity and maritime modernization. They also pointed to broader defense acquisition efforts underway at the Department of Defense.
Under Secretary for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael P. Duffey called the awards a key step in acquisition reform and praised the Navy team’s execution, stating this is how the industrial base is rebuilt.
Officials reiterated that the Columbia class remains the department’s top acquisition priority as the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad. Operating alongside, the Virginia class provides tactical strike and multi-mission capability to sustain global undersea advantage.
Together, the platforms are intended to deter adversaries and bolster long-term stability with allies, reinforcing broader U.S. defense posture alongside efforts such as the Pentagon GBAM challenge. The submarine work will also interact with facilities such as Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and other Navy industrial sites over the coming decades.