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BAE Systems has secured an additional US$11.5 million (AU$18.06 million) production order to manufacture a critical structural module for the US Navy’s Columbia Class ballistic missile submarine fleet.
The delivery order stems from a US$72 million (AU$113.2 million) contract awarded in 2023, under which BAE Systems supplies a sequence‑critical heavy structure that forms the backbone of each Columbia Class boat.
These submarines, scheduled to enter service from 2031, will replace the ageing Ohio Class and carry the Navy’s Trident II D5 strategic deterrent missiles.
Charles Lewis, director of submarine programs for platforms and services at BAE Systems, said the new award “is a testament to the hard‑working, highly skilled employees in Louisville, who manufacture complex submarine structures, and our engineering expertise in Minneapolis. Our personnel and facilities have the deep specialised capability and experience needed to support submarine and maritime industrial construction. We look forward to meeting the production needs of these national security assets that keep our sailors safe.”
The Columbia Class program is the US Navy’s largest shipbuilding effort since the Second World War, encompassing the design and construction of 12 nuclear‑powered ballistic missile submarines. Developed by General Dynamics Electric Boat in partnership with Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding, the program emphasises modular construction, advanced nuclear propulsion and improved stealth.
Each submarine will displace roughly 20,500 tonnes and house 16 missile tubes – down from the Ohio Class’ 24 – to reflect evolving strategic requirements.
Under the AUKUS security pact inked in September 2021, Australia will acquire conventionally armed nuclear‑powered attack submarines (SSNs) modelled on US and UK designs.
Although Australia’s delivery schedule remains under negotiation, the pact commits the three nations to share nuclear propulsion technology and bolster allied shipbuilding capabilities.
By reinforcing US submarine‑building yards and their supply chains – such as BAE Systems’ Louisville and its Jacksonville, Florida facility – the expanded industrial base will help meet not only American requirements but also support AUKUS partners as they develop sovereign SSN fleets.
Work under the latest order will be carried out at BAE Systems’ Louisville site, where integrated fabrication, welding, machining, testing and outfitting converge to produce precision‑engineered submarine structures.
Meanwhile, the company’s Jacksonville shipyard remains a strategic partner to the broader maritime industrial base, fabricating additional Columbia Class modules and ensuring the resilience of allied undersea capabilities.
