Columbia (SSBN-826), the first of a new class of U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarines to replace the
Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines now in service. The program calls for twelve of the new class of boats, which the Navy has identified as a top priority.
History
Research and development work on the new class of SSBNs has been underway for several years, while advanced procurement (AP) funding for the lead vessel began in fiscal year 2017 (FY17). According to the December 22, 2020 updated Congressional Research Service (CRS) report, Navy Columbia (SSBN-826) Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Program: Background and Issues for Congress, the Navy’s proposed FY2021 budget requests
A Ballistic Missile Submarine Shortage Could Cost the U.S. Navy Dearly
The new Columbia class, which at the moment will likely consist of twelve boats, is expected to be fully delivered by 2042, arriving at a pace of one per year from 2033 through 2042.
Here s What You Need to Remember: The geographical and strategic scope of potential nuclear-capable nation-state adversaries is growing quickly and expected to encompass North Korea and possible Iran. Should these countries, and perhaps even more, be fully operational nuclear powers with intercontinental ballistic missiles by the late 2030s, the U.S. will need to operate ballistic missiles submarines in the Persian Gulf, Black Sea, Baltic Sea region and the large Pacific Ocean.