General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded a $1.85 billion contract to initiate procurement of key systems and start preliminary construction for future Virginia-class submarines for the US Navy. This move is designed to keep production timelines on track and ensure that critical suppliers are aligned with the growing demands of the submarine fleet.
The Virginia-class program, launched in 1998, has become the backbone of the Navy’s fast-attack submarine force. So far, 40 units have been ordered—24 are already operational, and 16 are either under construction or awaiting completion. These submarines are gradually replacing the older Los Angeles-class vessels and are equipped to perform in both blue-water and near-shore operations.
Electric Boat continues to play a pivotal role in the program’s evolution. In May, the company secured a $12.4 billion contract to build two advanced Block V submarines—SSN-812 (USS Baltimore) and SSN-813 (USS Atlanta). A month earlier, the Navy inducted its 24th Virginia-class submarine, the sixth Block IV version, which includes upgrades like expanded missile launchers and more torpedo tubes. Earlier, in March, the company received a $1.06 billion contract to begin sourcing long-lead materials for the next-generation Block VI submarines.
