The Columbia-class submarine is set to replace the Ohio-class fleet as the cornerstone of US nuclear deterrence. The Navy plans to build 12 ballistic missile submarines at a procurement cost exceeding $126 billion. Featuring a life-of-ship nuclear reactor, electric-drive propulsion, and Trident II D5 missile capability, the platform is designed for stealth, survivability, and continuous at-sea deterrence into the mid-21st century.
