Washington. October 16. INTERFAX - The first developed newest American strategic nuclear submarine of the Columbia class, equipped with intercontinental ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads, will cost about $ 8.5 billion, it follows from the documents under consideration in the US Congress.
Funds for the purchase of the first such submarine have already been allocated, and its construction is underway. A contribution has also been made for the construction of a second such submarine.
These strategic missile carriers should replace the obsolete Ohio-class submarines. In total, by 2031, 12 Columbia-class submarines capable of carrying 16 Traident II D5 intercontinental ballistic missiles with separable nuclear warheads of individual guidance should be built and commissioned into the US Navy. The submarines will replace the 14 obsolete Ohio-class strategic submarines currently in the American nuclear triad, each of which carries 20 Traident II D5 missiles.
It is assumed that six submarines will be stationed at the Bangor Pacific base (Washington State) and six more at the Kings Bay base (Georgia) in the Atlantic. At least eight such submarines will be on combat patrol in the world ocean at the same time. The rest will undergo routine maintenance at the bases.
According to congressional documents, a total of $109.8 billion is expected to be spent on the submarine replacement program in the coming years.
The Columbia-class advanced strategic nuclear submarines being created are designed for a 42-year service life. Construction is carried out at the shipyards of General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding.
