An undated artist’s rendering of the planned Columbia-class submarine. Naval Sea Systems Command Image
Bloomberg: Fleet of 12 Nuclear Submarines in Line for Pentagon Approval
* Departing weapons buyer approves advanced development
* General Dynamics in talks with Navy on $128 billion project
The Pentagon’s top weapons buyer has approved advanced development for a fleet of 12 new nuclear-armed submarines, a potential $128 billion project that the Navy calls its top priority.
Frank Kendall, the undersecretary for acquisition, signed the decision memo that officially moves the program forward late Wednesday. Shortly before acting, Kendall, who’s departing when President Barack Obama steps down on Jan. 20, said in an interview,“I’m hoping to have it done before I leave.”
The new Columbia-class submarine is part of a trillion-dollar program to modernize the U.S.’s sea-air-land nuclear triad over the next 30 years, including maintenance and support. Obama has backed the effort, to the chagrin of some arms control advocates, and President-elect Donald Trump has seemed to signal his support. “The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes,” Trump wrote in a Twitter posting.
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WNU Editor: $128 billion for 12 nuclear subs?!?!?!? $10+ billion per sub?!?!?! This nuclear triad upgrade is now costing real money.
More News On The Pentagon Approving The Purchase of 12 New Nuclear Armed Ballistic Submarines For A Cost Of $128 Billion
Pentagon approves potential $126 billion submarine project -- UPI
Kendall Says Full Speed Ahead On Navy Nuke Missile Subs: $125B Columbia Class -- Breaking Defense
Navy moves forward on new Columbia-class submarines -- CT Mirror
Navy About To Order Fleet Of Nuclear Submarines In Final Days Of Obama Administration -- Daily Caller
Columbia-class Submarine Program Passes Milestone B Decision, Can Begin Detail Design -- USNI News
The Virginia-Class Submarine Is Arguably the Best in the World (And the U.S. Navy Wants More) -- National Interest
