US Navy’s next 21,000-ton nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine to be delivered in 2028

Interesting Engineering ^ | May 02, 2026 | Prabhat Ranjan Mishra

[Red Badger]

The Columbia-class submarine program encountered early setbacks.

The United States Navy’s effort to build its newest class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines is now expected to reach a key milestone in 2028, according to General Dynamics.

The lead vessel, currently under construction, has faced schedule adjustments but is showing signs of steady progress as production challenges are gradually resolved.

First submarine was planned for delivery earlier

Reports revealed that the first submarine in this class was initially planned for delivery earlier, but complications during construction led to a revised target. Issues involving the supply of critical components, along with delays in assembling major sections of the vessel, contributed to the shift in schedule. These obstacles are not uncommon in large-scale defense programs, particularly those involving advanced technologies and highly specialized manufacturing processes.

However, recent updates indicate that the situation is improving. Shipbuilders have reported better coordination with suppliers and increased efficiency within the workforce. As a result, more components are being delivered on time, allowing assembly work to move forward at a more consistent pace, according to reports.

Intended to replace the aging fleet

“District of Columbia (SSBN-826), currently being assembled at GD Electric Boat is on a path to deliver that first boat by the end of 2028, so excellent progress in the last six or nine months on the Columbia program,” GD’s president Danny Deep told USNI during a first-quarter earnings call on Wednesday.

This new class of submarines is intended to replace the aging fleet currently responsible for a significant portion of the country’s nuclear deterrence. Once operational, these vessels will ensure that the United States maintains a continuous and reliable sea-based nuclear capability. Because of this critical role, the program has been given top priority within naval modernization efforts.

Submarine to begin operational patrols around the end of the decade

The Navy plans for the first submarine to begin operational patrols around the end of the decade, aligning with the gradual retirement of older submarines. Maintaining this timeline is considered essential to avoid gaps in strategic coverage.

Work is not limited to just the lead vessel. Additional submarines in the series are already in various stages of construction, with plans to continue building them at a steady rate. The long-term objective is to create a fleet capable of supporting national defense needs well into the future.

Significant funding has been allocated to ensure the continuation of this program, reflecting its importance. The Navy aims to maintain consistent production to avoid further delays and keep overall costs under control.

Despite recent progress, some risks remain. The project still depends on a complex network of suppliers and a highly skilled workforce. Any disruptions in these areas could affect the timeline again. Officials continue to monitor these factors closely while emphasizing the importance of maintaining both quality and safety standards.

Although the Columbia-class submarine program encountered early setbacks, current developments suggest it is moving in a positive direction. The updated 2028 delivery goal represents a realistic adjustment rather than a major derailment. As construction advances and processes become more efficient, the program remains central to the future strength and reliability of the United States’ strategic defense capabilities.

The Fiscal Year 2027 budget request includes $15 billion for the Columbia-class funding line that includes the last tranche of funding for the third Columbia boat Groton (SSBN-828) and full-funding for the fourth unnamed boat, SSBN-829, reported USNI News.

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TOPICS: Business/Economy; Computers/Internet; History; Military/Veterans
KEYWORDS: boomer; columbiaclass; navy; submarine

[Tallguy]

There’s a gap that formed between the US industrial capacity and our military procurement goals. I don’t know when it began (my guess would be in the early 90’s when off-shoring took off). All military programs are suffering delays. No program is immune. It took 30 years to get into this mess and it will take a long time to get out of it.

[Tallguy]

We simply have to increase production capacity - and that means we need more welders, plumbers, electricians, etc etc. The shipyards are experiencing a shortage of skilled tradesmen needed to build boats.

If we push our educational system to reform it's attitudes toward skilled trades it will still take 12 to 15 years before you would see any results. Of course our educational institutions will fight tooth-and-nail to retain their power, so the solutions will have to come from elsewhere.

[FLT-bird]

Expand trade schools and community colleges that teach these kinds of skills. Also put more money into scholarships for people to get this kind of training and advertise the jobs available.

[Antoninus]

The parents suck. They don’t teach, they don’t demand performance goals and use public education for day care. You want production. Let’s start by teaching kids how to effing get dirty and work.

Get to know the homeschool community. That will change your perspective in a hurry.

[Thrownatbirth]

I developed the 10% Columbia Design with EB back in 2014. It was good enough to get the first $10B for the Navy from Congress. Glad to see we kept the 2028 completion date. I’ll be in New London for christening.

[Antoninus]

. Of course our educational institutions will fight tooth-and-nail to retain their power, so the solutions will have to come from elsewhere.

The solution is to encourage homeschooling. The public school model is an antique at this point, and not something we should be nostalgic about.