BAE Systems, the British defence and aerospace giant, has been awarded a $92 million (approximately £72 million) contract by the US Navy to continue manufacturing propulsors for the Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines.
The deal underscores BAE Systems’ long-standing role as a critical supplier to the US submarine fleet, marking over three decades of expertise in delivering complex submarine structures.
Under the terms of the contract, BAE Systems will deliver four propulsor forward assemblies, along with design engineering support services and sustainment hardware for the Virginia-class programme.
The propulsors, which are key components of the submarines’ advanced propulsion systems, will be produced at BAE’s Submarine Center of Excellence in Louisville, Kentucky, with additional engineering and business support provided from its Minneapolis, Minnesota, facility.
Brent Butcher, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems, highlighted the company’s deep expertise: “During the more than three decades that BAE Systems has manufactured propulsors for the US Navy’s submarine fleet, we have developed significant expertise in the fabrication of complex heavy structures.
“We remain committed to building high-quality, reliable submarine structures and systems in support of US Navy shipbuilding requirements, and our expert workforce and facilities are prepared to take on additional complex submarine assemblies to strengthen our strategic submarine industrial base.”
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To date, BAE Systems has delivered 33 propulsor forward assemblies to the US Navy, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted partner in the submarine industrial base.
In addition to the Virginia-class work, the company is also manufacturing heavy propulsor structures for the Columbia-class submarine and missile launch tubes for the Virginia-class, further expanding its contribution to the US Navy’s undersea capabilities.
The latest contract award comes as the US Navy continues to invest in advanced submarine technology to maintain its strategic edge, with BAE Systems’ advanced manufacturing capabilities playing a pivotal role in supporting these efforts.
