The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp. a significant contract modification valued at up to $1.85 billion. This substantial investment is earmarked for the early construction and procurement of long lead-time materials for the next-generation Block VI Virginia-class attack submarines, a move poised to dramatically enhance the Navy’s undersea warfare capabilities.
This undefinitized contract action modifies a previously awarded agreement, directing work to span across 19 states, with primary activities concentrated in key defense industrial hubs like Sunnyvale, California; Tucson, Arizona; and Chesapeake, Virginia. General Dynamics Electric Boat, the lead industrial contractor for the Virginia-class program, is headquartered in Groton, Connecticut. The ambitious project is slated for completion by September 2035, underscoring a long-term commitment to undersea dominance.
The Block VI Virginia-class submarines are designed to introduce a suite of advanced capabilities critical for future naval operations. These enhancements include seamless integration with unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs) and expanded sub-surface communication functions. Rear Adm. David Goggins, Program Executive Officer for Submarines, emphasized that Block VI will incorporate “new seabed warfare capabilities,” enabling these stealthy platforms to operate at greater depths and navigate complex ocean terrain more effectively.
These innovations are expected to significantly boost the Navy’s capacity for strategic reconnaissance, sophisticated counter-submarine operations, and advanced mine-clearing missions, all leveraging autonomous systems launched directly from the submarines. While previous Block V Virginia-class submarines already possess UUV deployment capabilities, Block VI aims to refine and expand these functions, solidifying the Navy’s broader investment in undersea dominance and distributed maritime operations.
At the time of award, the Navy obligated $1.68 billion in fiscal year 2025 shipbuilding funds, highlighting the immediate financial commitment to this critical program. This substantial funding ensures the continued advancement of the U.S. submarine fleet, a cornerstone of national security and power projection in an increasingly complex global maritime environment.