BAE Systems has been awarded a $92 million contract by the U.S. Navy to continue manufacturing key propulsion systems for the Virginia-class (SSN-774) submarines. Under this contract, BAE will produce the Propulsor Forward Assemblies and provide crucial design engineering support, as well as hardware for sustainment. This latest contract continues the long-standing collaboration between BAE Systems and the U.S. Navy in delivering high-quality propulsion systems for America’s fast attack submarines.
The contract will see the skilled workforce at BAE’s Submarine Center of Excellence in Louisville, Kentucky, continue to fabricate the critical submarine components. The engineering expertise and business support will be provided by the company’s Minneapolis, Minnesota, facility. To date, BAE Systems has already delivered 33 forward assemblies to the U.S. Navy under this submarine program.
“Our more than three decades of manufacturing propulsors for the U.S. Navy’s submarines have given us substantial experience in handling complex, heavy structures,” said Brent Butcher, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems. “We remain committed to delivering top-tier submarine structures that meet the Navy’s evolving requirements.”
Virginia-Class Submarines: The Future of Naval Warfare
The Virginia-class submarines represent the cutting-edge of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered fast attack submarine fleet. Designed for a range of missions, from open-ocean operations to more confined littoral environments, these submarines are a critical asset for anti-submarine warfare and intelligence gathering. They are poised to replace the older Los Angeles-class submarines, some of which have already been decommissioned.
The U.S. Navy plans to continue acquiring Virginia-class submarines through 2043, with these vessels expected to remain in service well into the 2060s. As part of the AUKUS security pact, the Royal Australian Navy is also set to purchase three Virginia-class submarines to serve as a transitional asset between their aging Collins-class submarines and future nuclear-powered designs.
BAE’s Role in Submarine Innovation
BAE Systems plays a critical role in the submarine industrial base, with its Louisville facility at the forefront of advanced manufacturing. Alongside its work on Virginia-class propulsion systems, BAE Systems is also contributing to the Columbia-class submarine program, including the construction of heavy propulsor structures. The facility is additionally responsible for building Virginia Payload Module launch tubes, which enable Virginia-class submarines to launch Tomahawk missiles and other future payloads.
As the U.S. Navy continues to modernize its submarine fleet, BAE Systems’ advanced facilities and expert workforce are positioned to meet the increasing production demands and support the evolving needs of both the U.S. and its allied naval forces.
