The U.S. Navy is making significant changes in its submarine fleet by redesignating 19 planned Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines. Equipped with the innovative Virginia Payload Module (VPM), these submarines will now be classified as guided missile submarines (SSGNs). This change reflects a strategic upgrade in their capabilities, enhancing their role in emerging maritime operations.
The Virginia-class submarines will see the addition of the 70-foot VPM hull extension, which includes four large vertical launch tubes. This upgrade dramatically increases their capacity, allowing each submarine to carry 28 additional missiles, providing a total Tomahawk cruise missile capacity of up to 40 missiles. This enhancement is crucial for the Navy’s focus on long-range precision strike missions and deterrence.
The first submarine equipped with the VPM, known as SSGN 803, is on track to enter service by fiscal year 2029. The strategic delivery of the 19 planned Virginia SSGNs is scheduled to continue through fiscal year 2038, marking a significant evolution in the U.S. Navy’s undersea capabilities.
The VPM is specifically designed to enrich the Virginia-class submarines’ weapons capacity, allowing the addition of four large-diameter launch tubes to the hull. Each of these tubes has the capacity to carry seven Tomahawk cruise missiles, effectively increasing their offensive potential in various operational contexts.
Not only will these submarines accommodate an expanded arsenal of Tomahawk missiles, but they are also being designed to carry future weapons, including hypersonic missiles and other emerging payloads. The Navy’s recent announcement indicates that 10 Block V and nine planned Block VI Virginia-class submarines will be equipped with the VPM.
Despite their new designation as SSGNs, these submarines remain integral to the Virginia-class program. They will continue to execute multiple missions ranging from anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare to intelligence collection, mine warfare, and support for special operations.
Replacing Retiring Ohio-class SSGNs
As the U.S. Navy prepares for these upgrades, it faces the retirement of its four Ohio-class guided missile submarines (SSGNs). These submarines have long served as primary conventional strike platforms, capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Beyond their missile capacity, Ohio-class SSGNs have also played vital roles in special operations, intelligence missions, and underwater command functions.
While the Virginia SSGNs will introduce improvements in stealth, survivability, and operational flexibility, it’s important to note that they will not match the missile capacity of the Ohio-class on an individual basis. An Ohio-class SSGN carries approximately four times more cruise missiles than a newly outfitted Virginia submarine. Thus, to maintain similar levels of undersea strike capacity, the Navy will need to deliver the majority of its planned Virginia SSGN fleet before the loss of the Ohio-class capabilities is felt.
Impact on the U.S. Submarine Fleet
The U.S. Navy is actively working to augment its submarine fleet, balancing several major construction programs, including Virginia-class submarines, Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, and its commitments under the AUKUS security partnership. Given that the Ohio-class SSGNs will retire before all 19 Virginia SSGNs become operational, the Navy anticipates a temporary dip in undersea missile capacity should this transition occur smoothly.
Vice Adm. Rick Seif, Commander of Submarine Forces, has emphasized that increasing the precision strike capabilities of stealth submarines is essential for supporting Distributed Maritime Operations. This enhancement will provide commanders with a broader range of strike options, ultimately contributing to a more robust strategic posture.
The forthcoming Virginia SSGNs are set to play a crucial role in maintaining U.S. forward presence, strengthening deterrence capabilities, and supporting conventional strike missions once they become operational.
References: navalnews, navytimes