The U.S. Navy has reclassified 19 planned Virginia-class submarines as guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) after equipping them with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), which adds four payload tubes holding seven Tomahawk missiles each—28 extra missiles per boat. The change applies to 10 Block V and nine Block VI boats, with the first VPM-equipped sub, USS Arizona (second Block V), due in fiscal 2029. The move follows a $42.1 billion contract for nine Block VI submarines and reflects a major increase in the class’s long-range strike capability through 2038.
U.S. Navy Reclassifies 19 Virginia-Class Subs as Guided-Missile SSGNs After Major Strike Upgrade
A rendered image of the Virginia Block V attack submarine. (Image courtesy
of General Dynamics)
The U.S. Navy has reclassified 19 planned Virginia-class submarines as guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) after fitting them with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), a modification that substantially expands their strike capacity and operational flexibility.
What Changed
The Navy updated the designation for 19 boats that will carry the VPM, moving them from the "fast-attack submarine" category to SSGN to reflect their enhanced long-range strike role. The reclassification covers planned Block V and Block VI boats scheduled for delivery through 2038.
Virginia Payload Module: Bigger Strike Load
The Virginia Payload Module inserts a four-diameter-tube section into the submarine’s hull. Each tube can hold seven Tomahawk cruise missiles, adding 28 Tomahawks to a submarine’s loadout and giving these boats a much larger precision-strike punch.
Delivery Timeline and Contracts
The first submarine to receive the VPM will be the second Block V boat, USS Arizona, expected for delivery in fiscal year 2029. The reclassification reflects 10 Block V submarines fitted with VPM and nine planned Block VI boats—19 vessels in total.
On Wednesday the Navy announced a $42.1 billion award to General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding to build nine Block VI Virginia-class submarines.
Fleet Context
There are currently 26 active Virginia-class submarines, with 23 additional boats planned for construction. The class is organized into blocks that mark step-changes in technology, weapons capability and design.
Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations: "Reclassifying Virginia Payload Module-equipped submarines as SSGNs accurately reflects the extraordinary strike capacity, operational flexibility, and global reach these platforms bring to the fleet. These submarines will provide our nation with a powerful and persistent deterrent, expand options for our combatant commanders, and ensure the Navy remains ready to fight and win whenever and wherever called upon."
Vice Adm. Rick Seif, Commander, Submarine Forces: "By integrating high-volume precision strike capabilities into these stealth platforms, these SSGNs serve as the ultimate enabler for Distributed Maritime Operations, giving our warfighters the overwhelming, flexible firepower required to win decisively in any theater."
This reclassification signals a shift in how the Navy expects to use this portion of the undersea fleet—pairing stealthy, survivable platforms with significantly increased long-range precision strike capacity to deter adversaries and support combatant commanders worldwide.
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