General Dynamics Electric Boat will receive up to $517 million to produce Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines with Tomahawk cruise missiles

In late August, General Dynamics Electric Boat launched the nuclear-powered submarine USS Iowa (SSN 797). But many more Virginia-class submarines are still under construction.

Here's What We Know

General Dynamics Electric Boat was recently awarded a contract to support the production of Virginia-class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines. The maximum amount will be nearly $517.25 million.

The funds will be used to provide unique parts and specialised materials for the submarines. Work under the contract will take place at two General Dynamics Electric Boat plants in Connecticut.

After the launch of USS Iowa (SSN 797), four Block IV submarines remain under construction: the USS Massachusetts (SSN 798), USS Arkansas (SSN 800), USS Idaho (SSN 799) and USS Utah (SSN 801). But construction of the first two is being handled by Huntington Ingalls Industries.

General Dynamics Electric Boat is also working on USS Arizona (SSN 803) and USS Tang (SSN 805). Construction of the latter began about a month ago. Both nuclear-powered submarines are Block V modifications. They are equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), which will increase the total number of Tomahawk cruise missiles from 12 to 40.

Source: Pentagon