Navy Says Lead Columbia-Class Sub 65% Complete, Targeting 2028 Delivery

An A‑26 acceleration plan that delivered all 26 modules to Groton by late 2025 has driven a schedule recovery.

Overview

All modules for District of Columbia are now at Electric Boat’s Groton yard, with pressure‑hull completion planned in 2026 and a move to the water in 2027, according to Rear Adm. Todd Weeks.
Weeks said Wisconsin (SSBN‑827) is about 35% complete and remains on track for a 2030 delivery, one of only two Navy ships currently under construction that are on schedule.
The Columbia program is slated to reach full‑rate, serial production in 2031 as the build pace increases.
Earlier delays tied to late bow and stern sections from HII and turbine issues from Northrop Grumman pushed the lead boat off its original FY2027 plan, with prior testimony warning delivery could slip into 2029.
To safeguard force levels if further slippage occurs, the Navy has examined extending the service life of several Ohio‑class ballistic‑missile submarines.