US Navy wants $6.2bn to buy second missile cruiser Columbia, which can carry 16 Trident II ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads

The U.S. Department of Defense is actively working on the development of the nuclear triad. In fiscal year (FY) 2024, the Columbia-class strategic missile cruiser development programme could receive more than $6 billion.

Here's What We Know

Columbia submarines are intended to replace the Ohio submarines, which carry the fourth-generation Trident II (D5) ballistic missiles. Columbia class missile cruisers will be able to carry 16 missiles equipped with nuclear warheads with a maximum launch range of over 11,000 kilometers.

The US Navy is requesting $6.2bn for FY2024. The funding will be used to develop the program and purchase a second Columbia-class missile cruiser called USS Wisconsin (SSBN-827). The construction of the submarine USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826) by General Dynamics Electric Boat is already underway.

The US Navy will finance the production of 12 new missile cruisers. They will replace 14 Ohio-type submarines. The first submarine was ordered in FY2021.

Source: Breaking Defense