The United States has signed a record USD 76.6 billion contract to build 14 new nuclear-powered submarines, marking one of the largest investments in the country’s naval capabilities in recent years. The move comes as Washington continues to strengthen its maritime presence amid China’s rapidly expanding naval power.
Under the agreement, General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) will construct five Columbia-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. The contract also includes the construction of nine Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines during the fiscal years 2025 to 2029.
The Virginia-class submarine programme will be jointly executed by General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS).
US Navy says deal will strengthen maritime and nuclear capabilities
According to the US Navy, the new submarines will significantly enhance the country’s undersea warfare capabilities and reinforce its nuclear triad.
Vice Admiral Robert Gaucher, Director of the Submarine Program, said the investment reflects the department’s long-term commitment to maintaining undersea superiority and modernising the nation’s nuclear deterrence.
The Columbia-class submarines are expected to replace the US Navy’s ageing fleet of strategic nuclear deterrent submarines, ensuring the country’s sea-based nuclear deterrent remains operational for decades.
What does the contract include?
The agreement covers the construction of 14 nuclear-powered submarines, including:
Five Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs)
Nine Virginia-class attack submarines (SSNs)
According to the US Navy, all 14 submarines are expected to be inducted into service by July 2038.
The Navy described the Virginia-class submarines as advanced multi-mission platforms capable of carrying out tactical strikes, intelligence gathering, surveillance and undersea warfare operations across the globe.
Focus on maintaining strategic edge
The investment comes at a time when China has been rapidly expanding its shipbuilding capacity and strengthening its naval fleet, particularly its submarine force.
The United States is upgrading its industrial and defence capabilities to preserve its long-standing maritime advantage and counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
US still holds numerical advantage in nuclear submarines
According to the latest report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the US Navy operates more than 65 active nuclear-powered submarines, while China currently has 12 active nuclear-powered submarines.
However, China also possesses around 46 conventional diesel-electric submarines, which are considered effective for coastal defence operations.
The report also notes that US nuclear submarines, particularly the Virginia-class and Seawolf-class, are regarded among the quietest submarines in the world, making them extremely difficult to detect underwater.
In comparison, older Chinese nuclear submarines are believed to generate higher noise levels, making them more vulnerable to detection by advanced US sonar systems.
First published on: Aug 04, 2026 01:31 PM IST
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