Nuclear-Armed Columbia-class Submarine is Pentagon’s Top Acquisition Priority. To be Delivered in 2028

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By Kris Osborn – President & Editor-In-Chief, Warrior Maven

The Secretary of the Navy says production and development of the high-priority, nuclear-armed Columbia-class submarines are “on track” as the service works to usher in a new, technological advanced era of undersea strategic deterrence.

Columbia-Class and Ohio-class Submarines

Speaking to members of the Senate Armed Services Committee – Defenses, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro did emphasize to lawmakers that the service is making a specific effort to extend and upgrade the existing Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines to the extent needed as the new fleet of Columbia boats arrive. 

Development of the Columbia-class boats has been successfully underway for many years, as early Science and Technology work and even production such as “tube and hull” forging was underway more than 10-to-15 years ago in Groton, Ct. Tube and hull forging is when missile tubes are welded into 4-packs before being inserted into so-called “modules” or building blocks for what becomes a completed submarine.

Nevertheless, while progress has been steady, encouraging and “on track,” the first Columbia-class patrol is scheduled for 2031 and the first boat will be delivered in 2028. 

The Ohio class boats, armed with nuclear-capable Trident II D5 missiles, have been in commission since the early 80s and have already been extended well beyond their originally anticipated service life. This is one of many reasons why the Pentagon refers to the Columbia-class submarine as its number one acquisition priority. The Navy wants to make sure there is no “lapse” or readiness deficit when it comes to undersea nuclear deterrence, something which is not surprisingly taking on new levels of urgency in light of Putin’s threats.