US Dominates Russia and China in Submarine Technology for 25 Years, Says Trump

US President Trump claims that the US Navy has a significant lead over Russia and China in submarine development, with 71 nuclear-powered submarines currently in its underwater fleet. He suggests that the US has been ahead in submarine development for 25 years.

The US Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $642.3-million contract modification to provide design and engineering support for its Virginia-class attack submarines. The award funds Lead Yard Support, which includes technical assistance, design updates, and development studies tied to the Virginia class. The work will be performed primarily at Electric Boat’s Groton, Connecticut, shipyard and is scheduled for completion by April 2026 General Dynamics Secures $642M to Support US Virginia-Class Submarine Program^[1].

The funding covers a wide mix of navy accounts: shipbuilding and conversion budgets from fiscal years 2021 through 2025, plus research and development dollars. More than $41 million will be taken from 2021 funds, while $31 million will be obligated from 2024 General Dynamics Secures $642M to Support US Virginia-Class Submarine Program^[1].

General Dynamics Electric Boat President Mark Rayha stated, "This funding allows us to continue our design and development efforts in order to sustain and extend our nation’s operational overmatch against any potential adversaries" General Dynamics Secures $642M to Support US Virginia-Class Submarine Program^[1].

The Virginia class is the navy’s backbone for fast-attack operations. First commissioned in 2004, the nuclear-powered submarines are built for intelligence gathering, strike missions, and anti-submarine warfare General Dynamics Secures $642M to Support US Virginia-Class Submarine Program^[1]. The program has taken on heightened urgency as China and Russia expand their own submarine fleets General Dynamics Secures $642M to Support US Virginia-Class Submarine Program^[1].

The contract also arrives as the US industrial base strains under competing demands. The navy is juggling continued Virginia-class procurement with the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program, its highest acquisition priority. Delays and workforce shortages have raised concerns about whether the industry can sustain both programs on schedule General Dynamics Secures $642M to Support US Virginia-Class Submarine Program^[1].

The navy, however, continues to double down on the Virginia class. The Block V version of the submarine, now in production, adds the Virginia Payload Module, which is an extension that increases missile capacity and gives each boat more firepower for conventional strike missions General Dynamics Secures $642M to Support US Virginia-Class Submarine Program^[1].

In a separate development, the US Navy successfully test-fired four Trident II D5 missiles from an Ohio-class submarine in the Atlantic Ocean. This exercise demonstrated the reliability of America's sea-based nuclear deterrent. The missile launch was visible from Puerto Rico. These tests were not in response to any specific global events 'Not in response to any ongoing world events': US Navy reveals its Ohio-class nuclear submarine launched 4 Trident II D5 missiles^[2].

The Trident II D5 missile has been launched successfully a total of 197 times. The US Navy did not reveal which of the 14 Ohio-class submarines that carry Trident II D5 missiles launched the nuclear-capable weapon 'Not in response to any ongoing world events': US Navy reveals its Ohio-class nuclear submarine launched 4 Trident II D5 missiles^[2]. The missile can likely hit a target 4700 miles (76,00 kilometres) away with a full weapons payload and can reach 7,500 mi (over 12,000 kms) with a reduced load 'Not in response to any ongoing world events': US Navy reveals its Ohio-class nuclear submarine launched 4 Trident II D5 missiles^[2].

The entire Trident II D5 program underwent a life-extension refresh which was completed in 2017. The missile will now remain in service till the 2040s 'Not in response to any ongoing world events': US Navy reveals its Ohio-class nuclear submarine launched 4 Trident II D5 missiles^[2].

Russia and China, too, have SLBMs comparable to the Trident II D5. RSM-56 Bulava is the Russian SLBM while the Chinese have the JL-2 missile arming their nuclear submarines 'Not in response to any ongoing world events': US Navy reveals its Ohio-class nuclear submarine launched 4 Trident II D5 missiles^[2].

General Dynamics Corp. GD business unit, Electric Boat, has secured a modification to a previously awarded contract, a $642 million deal for Lead Yard Support and Development Studies and Design efforts related to Virginia-class submarines General Dynamics Wins $642M Deal to Support Virginia Class Submarines^[3]. The deal was offered by the Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. The majority of the work related to this deal will be executed in Groton, CT, and is anticipated to be completed by April 2026 General Dynamics Wins $642M Deal to Support Virginia Class Submarines^[3].

General Dynamics’ Electric Boat division serves as the primary contractor and lead shipyard for all U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarine programs. This division oversees the entire design and engineering process, as well as the construction of Virginia-class attack submarines. It also manages the Virginia-class’ combat systems and weapon launchers General Dynamics Wins $642M Deal to Support Virginia Class Submarines^[3].

Virginia-class fast attack submarines are among the world’s most advanced. They are engineered from the keel up to handle the full spectrum of 21st-century missions, including anti-submarine and surface warfare, as well as support for special operations General Dynamics Wins $642M Deal to Support Virginia Class Submarines^[3]. Such sophisticated features must have driven significant demand for the company's Virginia-class submarines, as reflected in recent contract wins.

The rising demand for advanced submarine technologies such as stealth, underwater monitoring, and long-range strike capabilities, along with the increasing complexity of modern naval warfare, is driving growth in the submarine market. Mordor Intelligence projects a CAGR of 4.17% for the submarine market during the 2025-2030 period General Dynamics Wins $642M Deal to Support Virginia Class Submarines^[3].