The U.S. Navy has awarded a $22.2 billion contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat for nine Block V Virginia class submarines, of which eight will be equipped with the Virginia Payload Module that increases Tomahawk missile capacity to 40 missiles from 12. The contract contains an option for a 10th submarine that would also be equipped with the VPM. The multiyear contract covers submarines procured between FY19 and FY23.
Virginia class submarines are built by Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding, with Electric Boat serving as prime contractor. Newport News will serve as the delivery yard for five of the planned submarines.
The Block V subs will be delivered between 2025 and 2029.
Shaun's deep-rooted interest in military equipment continues in his role as a senior defense analyst with a focus on the United States. He played an integral role in the development of Forecast International's U.S. Defense Budget Forecast, an interactive online product that tracks Pentagon acquisition programs throughout the congressional budget process. As editor of International Military Markets – North America, Shaun has cultivated a deep understanding of the vast defense markets in the United States and Canada. He is a regular contributor to Forecast International's Defense & Security Monitor blog and has co-authored white papers on global defense spending and various military programs.
