The federal government has awarded a nearly $72 billion contract to General Dynamics Electric Boat for new attack and ballistic missile submarines.
The Department of Defense said the contract is for five Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines and the construction of nine Virginia-class attack submarines.
“The world’s most technologically advanced submarines get their start in Rhode Island. This new contract is a win for the Ocean State, the region, and the thousands of men and women who help build and design these high-tech, next-generation submarines. Whether it’s protecting economic zones, collecting intelligence, or projecting deterrence, the U.S. submarine fleet provides our Armed Forces with overwhelming operational advantages,” Sen. Jack Reed said in a statement…