Report to Congress on Navy’s Columbia-class Submarine Program 2 October 2025
On September 25, 2025, the Congressional Research Service reported to Congress on the Navy’s Columbia (SSBN-826) class program, which aims to design and build a class of 12 new ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) to replace the Navy’s current force of 14 aging Ohio-class SSBNs. Since 2013, the Navy has consistently identified the Columbia-class program as the Navy’s top priority program. The Navy procured the first Columbia-class boat in FY2021 and the second in FY2024. Navy plans call for procuring the remaining 10 boats in the class at a rate of one boat per year in FY2026-FY2035.