The U.S. Navy has received $621 million to begin construction of the USS Wisconsin, the second Columbia-class nuclear-powered submarine with Trident II intercontinental ballistic missiles

A few days ago we wrote that despite the impending shutdown, the US Navy will receive funds to begin construction of the nuclear-powered submarine USS Wisconsin (SSBN-827). The authorities were able to avoid a government shutdown and the US Navy received hundreds of millions of dollars.

Here's What We Know

The military service received $621 million at the last second to secure construction of a second Columbia-class nuclear-powered submarine. The funding was added to a 71-page temporary spending bill.

The document was signed minutes before the end of fiscal year 2023. The decision to include funding for the construction of USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) is due to the programme being strategically important to America and the first procurement priority for the US Navy.

USS Wisconsin (SSBN 827) will be the second Columbia-class nuclear-powered submarine. The first is called District of Columbia. It is already under construction and the cost is estimated at $8.5 billion. In total, the programme will cost the US Department of Defence $113 billion.

The 12 Columbia class submarines will be armed with Trident II (D5) intercontinental ballistic missiles, with a maximum range of over 12,000 kilometres with a minimum number of nuclear warheads. It will be part of a nuclear triad to replace the 14 Ohio-class nuclear-powered submarines. The service life is designed for 42 years. Construction will be undertaken by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding.

Source: USNI News