The U.S Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $126.1 million contract modification to continue development of the Common Missile Compartment for the U.S. Navy’s Columbia-class submarine and the Royal Navy’s Successor-class ballistic-missile submarine. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.
WASHINGTON (Dec. 14, 2016) A graphic representation of the future USS Columbia (SSBN 826). (U.S. Navy photo illustration by Petty Officer 1st Class Armando Gonzales/Released)
The contract modification includes funding for procurement of long-lead time material for missile tubes which will be integrated into both the Navy’s new SSBN and the Royal Navy’s Dreadnought-class strategic missile submarine.
Initially awarded in September 2017, the fourteen-year, $5.1 billion contract calls for Electric Boat to perform design and development work for the Navy’s next-generation ballistic-missile submarine, which is scheduled to begin construction in fall of 2020. The potential value of the overall contract is $6.1 billion.
Our video on Ohio Replacement / Columbia-class SSBN during Sea Air Space 2017
Ballistic missile submarines are critical, stabilizing and efficient elements of the U.S. nuclear deterrence and assurance policy, carrying the majority of deployed U.S. nuclear warheads. Columbia-class SSBNs incorporate advanced technology and will provide the most survivable leg of the Nation's strategic triad.
According to the US Navy, the mission of the Ohio Replacement will be Sea Based Strategic Deterrence:
Replacing Ohio SSBN class, rehosting TRIDENT II D5 (LE) missile system, providing the most survivable leg of the Nation's strategic triad.
Key facts of Ohio Replacement as provided by NAVSEA:
» The Ohio Replacement is the US Chief of Naval Operations number one acquisition priority.
» SSBNs are critical, stabilizing and efficient elements of US Nuclear deterrence and reassurance.
» The current Ohio class SSBN force is reaching the end of its operational life and must be replaced to meet the continuing mission requirements of USSTRATCOM.
» The Ohio Replacement will perform the same mission of today's Ohio class with two fewer ships at $40B in acquisition and life-cycle savings.
» The Ohio Replacement is being designed to have a longer service life, better availability and better survivability than their predecessors.
