General Dynamics Electric Boat has announced the signing of a contract modification worth $12.4 billion with the United States Department of Defense for the construction of two new Virginia-class submarines, a cornerstone of the US Navy’s submarine force.
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The contract, which could reach $17.2 billion if all options are exercised, includes investments to boost shipyard productivity and support the workforce, enabling significant improvements in infrastructure and shipbuilding processes.
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“This contract modification reaffirms the unique and vital role of submarines and the shipyards that build them in our national defense,” said Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. He added that over the past two years, collaborative efforts with the Navy, Congress, and the administration have enabled wage increases for the nuclear shipbuilding workforce and substantial new industrial capacity investments.
Replacing the Los Angeles class and versatile capabilities
Designed to replace the aging Los Angeles-class submarines, Virginia-class submarines are versatile platforms capable of operating in both littoral and deep-sea environments. Their roles include anti-submarine warfare, surface and land attack, special operations, intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
Technical specifications
- Length: 115 meters
- Beam: 10 meters
- Displacement: 7,800 tons
- Speed: over 25 knots
- Armament: up to 26 heavyweight Mark 48 mod 6 torpedoes and Harpoon missiles
- Launchers: two Virginia Payload Tubes, each capable of launching 6 Tomahawk cruise missiles
The latest configuration, Block V, introduces major upgrades, with increased weapons capacity and enhanced operational flexibility, particularly in cruise missile deployment and unconventional missions.
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Orders in progress
To date, the US Navy has ordered a total of 40 Virginia-class submarines. Of these, 24 are currently active in service, while 16 are either under construction or awaiting delivery — highlighting the continuity and strategic importance of the program for US naval defense.
Source and images: General Dynamics / X @USNavy. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
