Brief
Anduril secures $2.9 bn Navy submarine parts contract as it launches Maryland shipyard
The defence tech firm will create the Arsenal‑2 facility in Maryland, generating thousands of jobs while supporting the Navy’s Virginia‑class fleet.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Anduril Industries announced on Tuesday that it will invest $3.7 bn to build a new shipyard in Maryland, dubbed Arsenal‑2, and will receive a $2.9 bn contract from the US Navy to manufacture components for Virginia‑class submarines.
What happened
The California‑based firm confirmed the investment and contract, saying the Maryland plant will produce torpedo tubes and larger hull sections for the upgraded fast‑attack submarines. The Navy currently operates 26 Virginia‑class boats and expects two more in 2027.
What the reports add
Al Jazeera noted that the project was unveiled by President Donald Trump, who was set to announce a broader naval shipyard expansion in Baltimore. It also highlighted that the initiative follows Project Meridian, a Pentagon study co‑led by Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey and Newt Gingrich, aimed at future autonomous and maritime warfare.
What was said
Anduril President Chris Brose told reporters the yard’s “main focus” is component manufacturing for the Virginia‑class fleet, not new drone platforms.
How it came about
The contract is part of a wider Pentagon effort to accelerate naval shipbuilding amid the war on Iran and other regional conflicts, which have strained supply chains and limited the Navy’s production rate to about 1.1‑1.2 submarines per year.
Key facts
- Anduril will invest $3.7 bn in a Maryland shipyard called Arsenal‑2. (aljazeera.com)
- The US Navy awarded Anduril a $2.9 bn contract to build Virginia‑class submarine components. (aljazeera.com)
- The Maryland facility is expected to create 3,100 direct jobs and support over 11,000 indirect roles. (aljazeera.com)
- Virginia‑class submarines are being upgraded to carry up to 40 Tomahawk missiles each. (aljazeera.com)
- Anduril President Chris Brose said the yard will focus on component manufacturing, not new drone platforms. (aljazeera.com)
Sources
- [1] aljazeera.com — originally reported as “US firm gets $2. 9bn sub deal after boss joins war study with Musk”
