The US Navy has awarded GD Electric Boat an order to support engineering and design services for the its Ohio Replacement Programme.

The $8.8m order modifies an existing $76m contract signed in 2008 for engineering, technical services, concept studies and design of a common missile compartment for the next-generation of ballistic missile submarines.

The nation’s next-generation strategic deterrent submarine is being developed for the Royal Navy and the US Navy.

The overall contract would have a value of more than $652m if all options are exercised and funded.

GD Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of GD.