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The U.S. Navy has entrusted General Dynamics Electric Boat with a contract worth nearly $244 million to provide unique parts and specialized materials essential for the Virginia-class submarines. The agreement specifies that General Dynamics must deliver this equipment by the end of September 2028.
While the U.S. Department of Defense’s announcement did not delve into the specifics of what these “specialized” materials entail, General Dynamics Electric Boat’s involvement points towards some intriguing possibilities. This company is known for its expertise in propulsion systems, constructing hulls capable of withstanding extreme depths and pressures, and developing materials and components that help minimize the submarine’s acoustic and electronic signatures. They also specialize in sophisticated torpedo launching systems.
By 2024, the U.S. Navy boasts 23 Virginia-class submarines on active duty, with several more in various stages of construction or planning. Initially introduced to succeed the older Los Angeles-class submarines, the Virginia class is crafted to handle a broad spectrum of missions. These include anti-submarine warfare intelligence gathering, and special operations. Equipped to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles, engage in mine warfare, and execute ISR [Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance] operations, they stand as one of the U.S. Navy’s most versatile and effective platforms.
Virginia-class submarines boast impressive technical specs. Measuring 114.8 meters in length with a beam of 10.4 meters, they displace about 7,800 tons when submerged. A nuclear reactor powers these submarines, promising virtually unlimited range and a submerged speed of over 25 knots. They can dive to depths of around 490 meters. Their crew consists of approximately 135 personnel, including 14 officers and 117 enlisted members.
Equipped with cutting-edge sensor and weapon systems, Virginia-class submarines shine in their capabilities. The Block III Virginia-class, for example, features the Large Aperture Bow sonar array, an advanced passive and active sonar system that boosts detection abilities. These submarines are armed with Mk-48 torpedoes and Sub-Harpoon anti-ship missiles that are launched from four 533mm torpedo tubes. Additionally, they boast Virginia Payload Tubes that can launch Tomahawk cruise missiles, greatly enhancing their capabilities for land attacks.
With innovative fire control systems and sensor technology, Virginia-class submarines excel in both littoral [coastal] and open-ocean environments. Their fly-by-wire control system optimizes maneuverability in shallow waters, and their photonics masts, which feature visible and infrared cameras, replace traditional periscopes for improved situational awareness. Thanks to a modular construction, these submarines can be easily upgraded, ensuring they stay technologically relevant throughout their operational life.
The Virginia-class program is charting a course for expansion, aiming to build at least 66 submarines by the year 2053. The latest iterations, such as the Block V, are set to feature the Virginia Payload Module, significantly boosting missile capacity from 12 to 40 Tomahawks. These improvements are part of the U.S. Navy’s broader strategy to maintain its edge under the sea, gradually replacing the older Ohio-class submarines. Deliveries of these Virginia-class submarines are expected to continue into the late 2020s and early 2030s, in line with strategic plans for modernizing the fleet.
This particular class of submarines is pivotal to future naval strategies of the United States, especially under initiatives like AUKUS. Through such partnerships, the U.S. is sharing these advanced technologies with allies such as Australia. This approach not only underscores their military significance but also showcases the extensive reach and influence of the U.S. Navy’s formidable submarine program.
Australia’s participation in the AUKUS agreement marks a substantial shift in its defense posture. It seeks to amplify its naval strength with the procurement of nuclear-powered submarines. Announced in September 2021, AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership involving Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, all focused on addressing strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific. A cornerstone of this alliance is the enhancement of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capacities, which will be realized through both immediate acquisitions and long-term development strategies.
In the near term, the U.S. is set to sell Australia up to five Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines, with the initial units arriving in the early 2030s. This sale gained the green light from U.S. Congress in December 2023. These submarines will play a crucial role as a temporary solution, bridging the gap between Australia’s aging Collins-class fleet and the upcoming SSN-AUKUS submarines, which are being developed in partnership with the UK and the U.S.
Looking further ahead, the SSN-AUKUS submarines represent a collaborative, next-generation venture based on a UK design and integrating cutting-edge U.S. submarine technology, like propulsion systems and weaponry. Construction of Australia’s own SSN-AUKUS submarines is slated to commence at the Osborne shipyard in South Australia by the decade’s end, with the first vessel expected to join the fleet in the early 2040s. This ambitious project promises to significantly enhance industrial collaboration among these nations, interlinking their supply chains and bolstering naval capabilities.
To support these plans, Australia is making substantial investments in its submarine infrastructure and workforce. By 2027, the U.S. and UK will begin rotating nuclear-powered submarines through Australian ports, particularly those in Western Australia, to train Australian crews and expedite the country’s proficiency in managing these complex vessels. The Australian Submarine Agency, created in 2023, is at the helm of workforce development and construction efforts critical for this transformation.
AUKUS is committed to maintaining the highest standards of nuclear non-proliferation, with Australia pledging careful management of its nuclear-powered, yet conventionally armed, submarines. The involvement of the International Atomic Energy Agency [IAEA] ensures that this nuclear technology is responsibly used, setting a significant global example. This commitment underscores Australia’s dedication to international standards while boosting its defense capabilities.
AUKUS’s primary goal is to cultivate a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region. By integrating cutting-edge submarines from the U.S., UK, and Australia, a stronger deterrent presence is established, contributing to both regional and global stability. Through this partnership, Australia not only aims to upgrade its fleet but also to strengthen defense alliances, fostering a joint approach to emerging security challenges in the region.