Washington — The US Navy's first Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826), is back on track for its planned 2028 delivery following a major increase in shipyard production. The programme had previously faced delays that raised concerns about delivery slipping beyond 2030.
Vice Admiral Rob Gaucher, the Pentagon's Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Submarines, provided the update during the Naval Submarine League's Annual Symposium in November 2026. He said production output has increased to nearly 2.5 times its early-2026 level.
When Gaucher took charge in February 2026, production figures indicated that completing the submarine could take approximately four more years at the existing work rate.
To improve progress, the Navy and prime contractor General Dynamics Electric Boat introduced several measures, including 24-hour shift operations, wage increases, shipyard infrastructure upgrades and closer coordination with suppliers. The shipyard achieved its target of doubling the weekly work rate on July 20, 2026.
If the improved production rate continues, the submarine is expected to complete pressure-hull welding in 2027, joining its separate hull sections into a single watertight structure. Gaucher described the 2028 delivery target as achievable, although he acknowledged that significant work remains.
Columbia-Class Submarine Capabilities
The US Navy plans to build 12 Columbia-class submarines to replace its ageing Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine fleet. The class will form the sea-based component of the US nuclear triad and support continuous nuclear deterrence.
Each submarine will measure approximately 560 feet (171 metres) in length, with a 43-foot (13-metre) diameter and a submerged displacement of around 20,800 long tons. It will carry approximately 155 crew members, have a test depth exceeding 800 feet and reach speeds above 20 knots.
A major feature is its 42-year service life and life-of-the-ship nuclear reactor core, eliminating the need for mid-life nuclear refuelling.
Each submarine will carry 16 UGM-133 Trident II D5 Life Extension (D5LE) submarine-launched ballistic missiles. These missiles can carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), including W76 and W88 warheads, and have a range exceeding 4,000 nautical miles.
The class also shares its Common Missile Compartment design and Trident missile system with the UK's Dreadnought-class submarines.
The lead submarine, USS District of Columbia, has an estimated programme cost of approximately $15 billion, while subsequent submarines are projected to cost around $10 billion each. The design also introduces X-shaped stern planes and incorporates technologies derived from Virginia-class submarines, including the bow sonar array and pump-jet propulsor.
Construction is being carried out by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries' Newport News Shipbuilding, which builds major submarine sections.
The Columbia-class programme remains the Navy's top acquisition priority as the Ohio-class submarines approach the end of their planned 45-year service lives.
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