The US Navy reclassified 19 planned Virginia-class submarines from nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) to guided missile submarines (SSGNs). The service announced the reclassification decision on August 3.

Beginning with the Block V Virginia class, the Navy is adding the Virginia Payload Module, which inserts four additional payload tubes into each submarine. Each Virginia Payload Module tube can carry seven Tomahawk cruise missiles. The addition of the Virginia Payload Module increases the Tomahawk cruise missile capacity of each Virginia-class submarine from twelve to as many as forty.

The reclassification of 19 vessels represents a significant shift in the operational role of the Virginia-class fleet, moving them from general attack duties to specialized guided missile platforms. By increasing the Tomahawk cruise missile capacity from twelve to forty per boat, the Navy enhances the strike capability of each submarine without increasing the total number of hulls. This modification allows the existing Virginia-class design to absorb the mission set previously held by four cruise missile submarine variants of the Ohio-class submarines.

The change occurs as the Virginia class continues to serve as the primary replacement for the aging Los Angeles-class attack submarines. PureSource News reported on 2026-06-07 that Husic urged an Aukus submarine backup plan, showing ongoing strategic discussions regarding submarine procurement and alliances. The integration of the Virginia Payload Module ensures that these newer vessels can deliver a higher volume of precision strikes, aligning with the broader modernization efforts within the underwater warfare community.

Why It Matters

Reclassifying 19 Virginia-class submarines to guided missile platforms shifts their operational role from general attack duties to specialized strike missions. By increasing Tomahawk cruise missile capacity from twelve to forty per vessel, the Navy enhances total firepower without adding new hulls. This modification allows the fleet to absorb mission sets previously assigned to Ohio-class variants while continuing to replace aging Los Angeles-class submarines.