GDEB gets $95.5M for US, UK SSBN missile tube production

The U.S Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $95.5 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 Dreadnought-class ballistic-missile submarine.

The contract modification will enable procurement of 17 missile tubes which will support the manufacture of the Common Missile Compartment.

Initially awarded in December 2012, the five-year, $1.85 billion contract calls for Electric Boat to perform research and development work for the Navy’s next-generation ballistic-missile submarine, which is scheduled to begin construction in 2021. The potential value of the overall contract is $2.5 billion.

The Columbia-class submarine for which the Common Missile Compartment is being built as replacement for the current Ohio-class SSBN. First Ohio boat is expected to retire in 2029. Twelve boats are planned as replacement for the Ohio class.

Great Britain has already started construction works on the first Successor submarine while the Ohio replacement submarines are expected to be built from 2021 onward.