US Navy Reclassifies 19 Virginia-Class Submarines to Guided Missile Submarines
On August 4, 2026, the U.S. Navy reclassified 19 planned Virginia-class submarines (Block V and VI) from fast-attack (SSN) to guided missile submarines (SSGN) due to the Virginia Payload Module, which adds 28 Tomahawk missiles per boat. The first VPM-equipped sub, USS Arizona, is due in 2029. A $42.1 billion contract was awarded for nine Block VI boats. The change reflects enhanced strike capacity for distributed maritime operations.
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US Navy reclassifies 19 Virginia-class submarines to guided missile submarines
The U.S. Navy announced on August 4, 2026, that it is reclassifying 19 planned Virginia-class submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) from 'fast-attack submarines' (SSN) to 'guided missile submarines' (SSGN). The VPM adds four payload tubes per submarine, each carrying seven Tomahawk cruise missiles, increasing each boat's strike capacity by 28 missiles. The reclassification applies to Block V and Block VI submarines scheduled for delivery through 2038. The first VPM-equipped submarine, USS Arizona (Block V), is expected in fiscal year 2029. The Navy recently awarded $42.1 billion to General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries for nine Block VI boats. Officials stated the change accurately reflects the platforms' enhanced strike capabilities and operational flexibility for distributed maritime operations.
US Navy Reclassifies 19 Virginia-Class Submarines to Guided Missile Submarines
The U.S. Navy announced on August 4, 2026, that it is reclassifying 19 planned Virginia-class submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) from 'fast-attack submarines' (SSN) to 'guided missile submarines' (SSGN). The VPM adds four payload tubes per submarine, each carrying seven Tomahawk cruise missiles, increasing total munitions capacity by 28 missiles per boat. The reclassification applies to Block V and Block VI submarines scheduled for delivery through 2038. The first VPM-equipped submarine, USS Arizona, is set for delivery in fiscal year 2029. The Navy also recently awarded $42.1 billion to General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries for nine Block VI submarines. Currently, 26 Virginia-class submarines are active, with 23 more planned. Navy leadership stated the reclassification accurately reflects the enhanced strike capacity and operational flexibility of these platforms.
US Navy Reclassifies 19 Virginia-Class Submarines to Guided Missile Submarines
The U.S. Navy announced on August 4, 2026, that it is reclassifying 19 planned Virginia-class submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) from 'fast-attack submarines' (SSN) to 'guided missile submarines' (SSGN). The VPM adds four payload tubes per submarine, each carrying seven Tomahawk cruise missiles, increasing total munitions capacity by 28 missiles per vessel. The reclassification applies to Block V and Block VI submarines scheduled for delivery through 2038. The first VPM-equipped submarine, USS Arizona (Block V), is expected in fiscal year 2029. The Navy also recently awarded $42.1 billion to General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries for nine Block VI submarines. There are currently 26 active Virginia-class submarines, with 23 more planned. Navy leadership stated the reclassification accurately reflects the enhanced strike capacity and operational flexibility of these platforms, supporting Distributed Maritime Operations.
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US Navy reclassifies 19 Virginia-class submarines to guided missile submarines
The U.S. Navy announced on August 4, 2026, that it is reclassifying 19 planned Virginia-class submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) from 'fast-attack submarines' (SSN) to 'guided missile submarines' (SSGN). The VPM adds four payload tubes per submarine, each carrying seven Tomahawk cruise missiles, increasing total munitions capacity by 28 missiles per boat. The reclassification applies to Block V and Block VI submarines scheduled for delivery through 2038. The first VPM-equipped submarine, USS Arizona, is set for delivery in fiscal year 2029. The Navy also recently awarded $42.1 billion to General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries for nine Block VI submarines. Currently, 26 Virginia-class submarines are active, with 23 more planned. Navy leaders emphasized that the reclassification reflects the enhanced strike capacity, operational flexibility, and stealth capabilities these platforms bring to Distributed Maritime Operations.
US Navy reclassifies 19 Virginia-class submarines to guided missile submarines
The U.S. Navy announced on August 4, 2026, that it is reclassifying 19 planned Virginia-class submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) from 'fast-attack submarines' (SSN) to 'guided missile submarines' (SSGN). The VPM adds four large-diameter payload tubes per submarine, each carrying seven Tomahawk cruise missiles, increasing each boat's strike capacity by 28 missiles. The reclassification applies to Block V and Block VI submarines scheduled for delivery through 2038. The first VPM-equipped submarine, USS Arizona (Block V), is due in fiscal year 2029. The Navy also recently awarded $42.1 billion to General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries for nine Block VI submarines. Navy leaders stated the change accurately reflects the platforms' enhanced strike capabilities and operational flexibility.
US Navy Reclassifies 19 Virginia-Class Submarines to Guided Missile Submarines
The U.S. Navy announced on August 4, 2026, that it is reclassifying 19 planned Virginia-class submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) from 'fast-attack submarines' (SSN) to 'guided missile submarines' (SSGN). The VPM adds four large-diameter payload tubes per submarine, each capable of carrying seven Tomahawk cruise missiles, increasing each boat's munitions capacity by 28 missiles. The reclassification applies to Block V and Block VI submarines scheduled for delivery through 2038. The first VPM-equipped submarine, USS Arizona, is set for delivery in fiscal year 2029. The Navy also recently awarded $42.1 billion to General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries for nine Block VI submarines. There are currently 26 active Virginia-class submarines, with 23 more planned. Navy leadership stated the reclassification accurately reflects the enhanced strike capacity and operational flexibility of these platforms, supporting Distributed Maritime Operations.