American Firm Lands $96m Order To Supply US Navy Subs

U.S. manufacturer Hunt Valve, part of the Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) group, has secured a contract to supply parts for 17 new U.S. Navy submarines.

As per a recent company press statement, Hunt Valve has won orders worth $96 million for ship service ball valves and high-pressure system valves. The parts will be fitted in 12 new Virginia-class and five new Columbia-class submarines.

The new deal guarantees Hunt Valve work for the next five years and beyond, meaning the firm is in a position to make further investments in its machinery and workforce.

FMD Chief Executive Officer George Whittier observed: “This long-lead contract signals that the U.S. Navy is listening to industry challenges and actively collaborating to find solutions that strengthen our ability to serve.

“As a key defender of our nation's freedom of the seas, the Navy’s silent service relies on top performance. Fairbanks Morse Defense remains committed to providing the essential components that help our fleet operate at its best.”

The next-generation Columbia-class submarines will replace the U.S. Navy’s existing Ohio-class subs that are soon to be decommissioned. The 580-ft nuclear-powered vessels will be the service’s largest ever submarines.

If it stays on schedule, the first boat in the class, the USS District of Columbia will be delivered in autumn 2028 with a view to it entering active service in 2031. In total 12 Columbia-class submarines are set to be constructed by General Dynamics Electric Boat.

The Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines are also constructed by General Dynamics Electric Boat along with Huntington Ingalls Newport News Shipbuilding.

They boast improved acoustic and stealth capabilities compared to the Los Angeles-class attack submarines they are replacing, as well as a divers’ chamber for inserting special operators ashore, and improved land-attack munition launch capabilities, including four payload tubes each carrying up to seven Tomahawk missiles.

• You can read more details about the contract on the FMD website.