Austal Receives First Order For Columbia Class

Mobile-basedAustal USA said it recently received its first order for components supporting construction of a U.S. Navy Columbia-class submarine. The order, from General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB), is for fabrication of the command and control systems module (CCSM) for the third ship in the class. Austal said work under this order represents a significant expansion in the capabilities it has been providing the submarine industrial base since February. The purchase order, with a value of up to $12.8 million, was issued by prime contractor GDEB for work from 2024 through 2027. The construction of this and other submarine modules is the result of the strategic partnership formed in 2022 between Austal and GDEB, supported by the Navy, to expand the production capacity of the submarine industrial base. As part of the partnership, Austal is constructing and outfitting CCSMs and electronic deck modules for the Virginia- and Columbia-class programs.