US Department of War awards new submarine construction contracts totalling $76b

"This historic investment underscores the department's continued commitment to undersea superiority and the recapitalisation of our nuclear triad,” said Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher, Director, Submarine Programs. “By securing the continuous production of both the Columbia and Virginia classes, we ensure we will continue to deliver the world’s most lethal, survivable and resilient combat platform to our global combatant commanders, while providing long-term stability to our shipbuilding industrial base.

"These submarines will assure our allies and deter our adversaries while serving as a key part of our joint forces by projecting combat power into denied areas and defending our nation and its interests for decades to come."