The US Navy has taken a significant step toward strengthening its underwater combat force by reclassifying 19 upcoming Virginia-class submarines as guided missile submarines. The decision reflects the substantial increase in offensive capability provided by the Virginia Payload Module, which extends the submarine’s hull by 84 feet and incorporates four additional missile launch tubes. This enhancement enables each vessel to carry up to 40 long-range strike weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and future hypersonic systems, greatly expanding mission flexibility. The redesignation also prepares the Navy for the retirement of the Ohio-class SSGNs, which have served as key platforms for precision strike operations for decades. As these older submarines leave service, the upgraded Virginia-class variants will assume responsibility for delivering high-volume missile attacks while supporting distributed naval operations in increasingly contested maritime regions. The lead VPM-equipped submarine, USS Arizona, is expected to join the fleet in 2029, with additional deliveries continuing into the late 2030s.
