The US Navy has officially redesignated 19 future Virginia-class submarines from standard fast-attack submarines (SSNs) to guided missile submarines (SSGNs), reflecting their significantly enhanced strike capabilities. The change applies to Block V and Block VI submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), an 84-foot (26-meter) hull extension that substantially increases missile-carrying capacity. By incorporating four large vertical launch tubes, each submarine can accommodate 28 additional Tomahawk cruise missiles or future hypersonic weapons, boosting the total onboard missile load to 40. This formal classification distinguishes the upgraded vessels from conventional Virginia-class attack submarines as the Navy prepares to retire its aging Ohio-class SSGN fleet, including USS Georgia, which served for more than four decades. The enhanced Virginia-class SSGNs are expected to assume the strategic strike missions previously performed by the Ohio-class boats while supporting Distributed Maritime Operations in contested maritime environments. The first submarine featuring the Virginia Payload Module, USS Arizona (SSGN 803), is expected to enter service in 2029, with additional deliveries continuing through 2038.
