A General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) subsidiary can start to obtain long lead-time materials for the next five Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines after the business secured a $5.13 billion contract modification from the U.S. Navy.
General Dynamics Electric Boat will use the funds to procure and build critical components for Build II work under the Columbia Integrated Product and Process Development Contract, the company said Wednesday.
An award notice posted on the Department of Defense’s website says the award will also cover logistics and sustainment support to U.S. and U.K. submarine construction programs.
The funds will additionally support submarine industrial base development, missile tube production and class sustainment efforts.
Columbia-class submarines will be equipped with a fuel core that will power the underwater craft for the entirety of its service.
General Dynamics said construction of two vessels in that class, The District of Columbia (SSBN 826) and Wisconsin (SSBN 827), are underway and the company aims to deliver the lead submarine to the Navy sometime in 2027.
