DOT&E approved Virginia-class Block V master test plan

The Pentagon's chief weapons tester last year approved a master plan for assessing the Navy's latest purchase of fast-attack submarines, according to a new report published Thursday.

"In April 2019, [the director of operational test and evaluation] approved a Test and Evaluation Master Plan covering the Block V variant of the Virginia-class submarine," according to the report. "The Navy expects operational test of the Virginia-class Block V submarine in" fiscal year 2027.

Touted as the "largest shipbuilding contract the Navy ever awarded," the service's Block V multiyear contract of Virginia-class submarines was signed with General Dynamics Electric Boat late last year following multiple delays.

With the costs for hull production and government furnished equipment combined, the price tag is expected to reach nearly $34 billion if all options are exercised.

DOT&E's report on the Virginia-class program this year was largely positive with evaluators stating earlier blocks of the submarine effort are operationally effective and that follow-up assessments have not revealed new problems.

There are 15 recommendations for Block III vessels the agency outlined in a classified July 2019 report.