US Navy orders 23,000-ton nuclear-armed submarines as part of historic fleet upgrade

The U.S. Navy finalized a $76.6 billion contract package with General Dynamics and HII for new submarines.

The deal covers nine Block VI Virginia-class attack subs and five Build II Columbia-class ballistic missile subs.

It also adds funding for materials, workforce support, and shipyard productivity improvements.

The agreement follows prolonged disputes over rising costs and labor shortages at the shipyards.

The package locks in submarine production and helps support the Navy’s nuclear deterrent and industrial base.