BAE Systems invests heavily to support US submarine manufacturing

BAE Systems has outlined how it is preparing to scale up its submarine manufacturing and naval support capacity in the United States.

In a press release dated 8 April 2025 the company noted that it has invested more than USD 260 million (EUR 235 million) in its facilities over the past six years to increase support to the US maritime industrial base. Through these investments the company is looking to ensure it has the strong manufacturing capability and capacity to build submarine structures and support surface ship maintenance for the US Navy (USN) and its maritime partners.

BAE Systems has upgraded its welding, machining, and heavy-lift capacity across its manufacturing site in Louisville, Kentucky, and its shipyard in Jacksonville, Florida, to further support building submarines. Between these two facilities, the company has over 200,000 ft² (18,580 m²) of dedicated space to take on new submarine construction, as well as personnel ready to contribute to submarine construction.

Over the last six years, BAE Systems’ Louisville facility has invested more than USD 60 million to support maritime industrial base construction. These investments include: advanced machining centres; upgraded heavy-lift cranes; test and assembly capabilities; enhanced welding equipment; overarching facility upgrades; and welder training and onsite school facilities.

In Jacksonville, meanwhile, the company has invested over USD 200 million into its shipyard, with investments including: a modern ship-lift, land-level repair facility; employee training; a welding training centre and on-site school facilities; manufacturing training; and submarine fabrication upgrades.

BAE Systems’ Louisville site manufactures several different major structures for the US Navy and its major shipbuilders. These include the Virginia Payload Module missile tubes and propulsors for the USN’s Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs), for which BAE announced it had won a USD 70 million contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat on 2 April 2025, and Bearing Support Structures for the USN’s Columbia-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).

Last year the company’s Jacksonville shipyard began fabricating deck structures for the Columbia-class SSBN programme. In addition to the shiplift and land level repair facility that will soon be operational, BAE Systems has invested in developing its skilled workforce there and reorganising its facility to take on submarine construction work.

“BAE Systems is ready to expand submarine production and build the submarine structures that are vital to safeguarding our nation,” Charles Lewis, BAE Systems’ director of Submarine Programs for Platforms & Services, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “As a prime contractor in many other areas of our business, we look forward to applying that mindset to bolster submarine construction, in partnership with shipbuilders, to support the US Navy. Our facilities have the capacity for growth and our workforce has the skillsets required to manufacture major structures for these complex giants.”