General Dynamics secured a $12.4-billion contract for the production of 2 more Virginia-class attack submarines for the US Navy.
The deal covers SSN-812 (USS Baltimore) and SSN-813 (USS Atlanta), in the Block V configuration.
Huntington Ingalls Industries has also received $1.3 billion in funding as the program’s primary subcontractor.
Funding will also be provided to boost productivity at the company’s shipyards and expand the workforce.
Mark Rayha, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat, said that in the past two years, they worked with the Navy, Congress and the administration to secure the funds and increase wages for the nuclear-powered vessel workforce.
He added that this contract modification shows the vital role played by submarines and submarine builders in the defence of the country.
The majority of the work would be done in Virginia and Connecticut, and is estimated to be completed by June 2036.
The Virginia-class submarine program is important for the U.S. Navy as it is designed to replace the ageing Los Angeles-class fleet.
These subs have modern sonars, stealth and design features, allowing them to conduct several kinds of missions from surveillance to special operations and anti-submarine warfare.
Block V upgrades include the Virginia Payload Module, boosting the platform’s missile capacity and extending its strike potential.
The Navy has produced 40 Virginia-class submarines, with 24 in active service, while 16 are still under construction or waiting to be delivered.
General Dynamics said that its Virginia-class workforce in Connecticut comprises over 24,000 employees.
References: The Defense Post, CT Post
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