General Dynamics Electric Boat has selected QinetiQ US for subcontracts worth $26 million to deliver key systems for the US Navy’s Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines. Under this agreement, QinetiQ will be responsible for building, testing, and supplying advanced electrical and electromechanical systems for both nuclear-powered submarine classes. All work will be carried out at QinetiQ’s facilities across the United States.
The Virginia-class submarines, developed to replace the older Los Angeles-class, are designed for high-speed, deep-sea operations, engaging enemy vessels, conducting intelligence missions, special warfare support, and shallow-water activities. Each Virginia-class submarine is equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Mk 48 Advanced Capability torpedoes and is capable of traveling at speeds exceeding 25 knots (46 kilometers or 28 miles per hour).
Over 20 vessels from this class are already active in the Navy’s fleet. Additionally, earlier this month, General Dynamics received a separate $1.85-billion contract to purchase critical components and initiate early construction for future Virginia-class units. Meanwhile, the Columbia-class submarines are being developed to replace the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines.
These new vessels are designed to operate with maximum stealth and to provide strategic deterrence through precise nuclear payload delivery. Each Columbia-class submarine is projected to measure 560 feet (171 meters) in length and 43 feet (13 meters) in width, with speeds exceeding 20 knots (37 kilometers or 23 miles per hour). They will be equipped with an electric-drive propulsion system and armed with 16 Trident II D5 (LE) missiles as well as Mk 48 torpedoes, ensuring formidable undersea strike capabilities.
