US Navy reclassifies 19 Virginia submarines as missile SSGNs

The U.S. Navy has officially reclassified its newest Virginia-class submarines, a move that formally recognizes a major shift in their primary mission from hunting other ships to delivering large-scale missile strikes. The change, announced on August 3, applies to 19 planned Block V and Block VI submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), which will now be designated as guided-missile submarines (SSGNs) instead of fast-attack submarines (SSNs).

The redesignation reflects the significantly expanded strike capability provided by the VPM, a hull extension that adds four large-diameter payload tubes. Each tube can carry seven Tomahawk cruise missiles, giving each submarine an additional 28 weapons. Combined with existing launch systems, a VPM-equipped boat can carry approximately 40 Tomahawks, a substantial increase over the standard Virginia-class loadout.

Navy officials stated the reclassification better aligns the submarines' official designation with their enhanced role in long-range precision strike missions, strategic deterrence, and power projection. Vice Adm. Rob Gaucher, director of Submarine Programs, called the change a clear acknowledgment of the...