Design, manufacturing and delivery of the first turbine generator units for a next-generation nuclear submarine will be conducted by Northrop Grumman.

The contract was issued by General Dynamics Electric Boat, which is tasked by the U.S. Navy for a new class of submarine to replace Ohio-class submarines now in service.

"This latest award reflects Northrop Grumman's long standing partnerships with General Dynamics Electric Boat and the U.S. Navy," said Karen Campbell, vice president, Northrop Grumman Marine Systems business unit. "We are proud of our heritage and honored to be part of the Ohio Replacement Program."

Fourteen Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines will be retired by the Navy beginning in 2027.

The turbine generators will power submarine's propulsion system and also meet the requirements for electric power for other ship systems.

Northrop said the submarine that will replace the Ohio-class vessels will be the first submarines to incorporate electric drive since the 1970s.