US Columbia submarine program exceeds costs by over six times

An independent audit of the Columbia-class submarine program recently unveiled significant challenges for the Navy in controlling shipbuilding costs. Conducted by the Government Accountability Office [GAO], the report reveals that cost overruns are alarmingly high.

U.S. first Columbia-class nuclear submarine will cost $ 8.5 billion — Photo credit: Wikipedia

Expenses have reached levels “six times higher than” those estimated by the prime contractor, General Dynamics Electric Boat, and are “five times more than the Navy’s own projections.” This situation raises serious questions about fiscal responsibility, potentially leaving the government responsible for hundreds of millions in additional expenses for the lead submarine.

The Columbia-class submarines are crucial to the Navy’s strategic capabilities, forming one of the three legs of the U.S. nuclear triad. They are set to replace the aging Ohio-class submarines and are expected to have a lifespan stretching into the 2080s. Each submarine will be equipped with up to 16 Trident II [D5] ballistic missiles, capable of delivering nuclear warheads to targets worldwide.

These submarines feature advanced stealth technologies, allowing them to operate undetected in hostile waters—a critical component in maintaining a deterrent against potential adversaries.

The GAO has raised concerns over the Columbia-class program for years, pointing out persistent shortcomings and obstacles that could hinder its success. A recent report, based on the 2018 defense policy bill, emphasizes the program’s struggle to stay within budget and on schedule.

From January 2022 to May 2023, the lead submarine’s construction has continually missed set targets, according to the GAO. “Through early 2024, those trends had not improved,” the report highlights, indicating potential future risks could worsen the existing challenges faced by the program.

Urgent and decisive action from the shipbuilder is critical to address the issues affecting construction performance, as underscored by the report. The GAO has repeatedly pointed out recurring problems like delayed material deliveries and incomplete design specifications, which have been significant obstacles to progress.

Since 2018, the Navy has poured billions into its supply chain. Yet, auditors say the service hasn’t matched these investments with clear building goals or upheld stringent quality standards for outsourced work.

The Columbia-class program stands out as a top priority for the Navy, especially after the 2021 AUKUS security pact with the UK and Australia. This pact has funneled more money into the submarine sector, underscored by a $950 million contract awarded to BlueForge Alliance, a Texas-based nonprofit, to boost the industry’s capabilities.

By December 2023, the GAO noted that 193 suppliers received funding for the Columbia-class program. Despite this, Congress gets only broad summaries of these expenditures, keeping the exact allocation and use of these funds in the shadows.

Representative Joe Courtney, a Democrat from Connecticut, voiced his worry about lawmakers’ limited access to detailed information. He pointed out that they often only receive a “basic pie chart” showing the general categories of fund allocation.

Addressing the GAO’s findings, the Department of Defense admitted the issues highlighted in the report. Gary Ashworth, a senior civilian official in charge of Pentagon acquisitions, agreed with all the GAO’s recommendations.

The report urges the Navy to direct General Dynamics Electric Boat to revise its cost estimates and evaluate the effectiveness of its investments in the submarine industrial base. This collaboration aims to ensure the Columbia-class program meets its construction targets while maintaining the quality and performance crucial for national defense.

As the Navy tackles these urgent issues, the future of the Columbia-class submarine program rests on decisive moves from both military leaders and contractors. These submarines are crucial for the U.S. nuclear deterrent strategy, underscoring their development as a top national security priority. The GAO’s ongoing scrutiny highlights the need for transparency and accountability in defense spending, ensuring that taxpayer money is used effectively to support critical military programs.

BULGARIAN MILITARY

US Columbia submarine program exceeds costs by over six times

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