U.S. Navy Reclassifies Virginia-Class Submarines with VPMs as Guided Missile Submarines (SSGNs)

The U.S. Navy has officially reclassified certain variants of the Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines equipped with Virginia Payload Modules (VPM) as guided missile submarines, or SSGNs. This decision marks a significant shift in how these submarines are categorized and underscores their enhanced capabilities in naval warfare. The VPM is an additional 70-foot hull extension that includes four large vertical tubes designed to launch Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles, Intermediate-Range Conventional Prompt Strike (IRCPS) hypersonic missiles, and other payloads.

The reclassification comes as the Navy prepares for the retirement of its current Ohio-class SSGNs by the end of 2029. The Ohio-class vessels are among the most capable submarines in the fleet today, but their replacement is already underway with the new Virginia-class variants equipped with VPMs. According to recent announcements, the Navy plans to acquire 19 such submarines over time.

The first Virginia-class submarine to feature a VPM will be the future USS Arizona (SSN-803), which is currently under construction as part of the Block V subvariant series. The second Block V variant, the USS Oklahoma, will not include the VPM but subsequent boats in this batch are expected to incorporate it.

Block VI Virginia-class submarines are also slated to receive VPMs and additional upgrades. However, a recent $76.6 billion contract award for nine Block VI boats and five additional Columbia class nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) has created some confusion regarding the exact number of planned SSGNs. This discrepancy may be due to a one-of-a-kind seabed espionage subvariant within the Virginia-class series, but further clarification from Navy officials is pending.

Vice Admiral Rob Gaucher, Director of Submarine Programs for the U.S. Navy, emphasized that this reclassification reflects the increased lethality and versatility brought by VPM-equipped submarines. "These SSGNs will ensure the Navy maintains dominance in undersea warfare for decades," he stated. The additional payload capacity provided by VPMs allows these submarines to serve as powerful instruments of national power, capable of deterring aggression and outmatching adversaries.

This move highlights the evolving nature of submarine warfare and the strategic importance placed on advanced missile capabilities in modern naval operations. As the Navy continues to adapt its fleet to meet contemporary challenges, the reclassification underscores the critical role that these submarines will play in maintaining global maritime security and projecting power across diverse operational theaters.