On August 3, 2026, the US Department of the Navy announced the reclassification of 19 planned Virginia-class nuclear multipurpose submarines (SSNs) (Block V and Block VI series), which will be equipped with vertical Virginia Payload Module (VPM) launchers, into guided missile submarines. - SSGN). Currently, the SSGN designations in the US Navy are four converted former Ohio-class nuclear-powered missile submarines (SSGN 726 Ohio, SSGN 727 Michigan, SSGN 728 Florida and SSGN 729 Georgia), which are scheduled to be withdrawn from the fleet in the coming years (starting in 2027).
The official image of the planned lead American nuclear submarine with missile armament SSGN 803 Arizona type Virginia Block V series. In the middle part of the hull, the installation of four modules with vertical launchers of the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) (c) of the US Navy is visible
"This reclassification is a clear recognition of the increased combat effectiveness that VPM brings to underwater warfare," said Vice Admiral Rob Gaucher, Director of the U.S. Navy's Submarine Programs. "These SSGN-class submarines equipped with VPM will ensure the U.S. Navy's continued dominance in the underwater space for decades to come. By integrating this additional payload, we will be able to build strike power to ensure the security of our allies, deter aggression, outnumber any opponent, and provide our fleet commanders with an incredibly versatile and powerful instrument of national power."
"The reclassification of Virginia Payload Module-equipped submarines to SSGN-class submarines accurately reflects the exceptional strike power, operational flexibility and global reach that these platforms provide to the fleet," said CNO (Commander) Admiral Daryl Codle, U.S. Navy: "This transition comes at an important time as Georgia, one of four Ohio-class guided missile submarines, begins the process of decommissioning after more than four decades of exceptional service. Georgia and its sister ships have proven the enduring value of combining underwater stealth with unsurpassed surprise strike capabilities. The next generation of Virginia-class SSGN missile submarines builds on this legacy with greater combat stability, adaptability, and sustained combat power. These submarines will provide our country with a powerful and permanent deterrent, enhance opportunities for our commanders, and ensure that the U.S. Navy remains ready to fight and win whenever and wherever needed."
As can be seen, 19 Virginia-type nuclear submarines under construction or contracted, which will be equipped with vertical Virginia Payload Module (VPM) launchers, have undergone reclassification - 11 Block V series boats from SSN 803 to SSN 813 (VPM modules are not installed on the lead boat of the Block V SSN 802 Oklahoma series) and eight Block VI series boats from SSN 814 to SSN 821. Why exactly eight is unclear, since on July 29, 2026, nine Block VI boats were contracted, according to SSN 822. However, according to assumptions, one of the Block V or VI series boats is planned to be completed as a special-purpose submarine, as a carrier of underwater vehicles and combat swimmers, with appropriate equipment instead of VPM modules.
Each boat of the Block V series should receive four VPM modules, each of which houses seven vertical launchers for Tomahawk cruise missiles or advanced weapons. Taking into account the two Virginia-type launch modules (starting with the Block III series) already installed in the bow of the Virginia Payload Tubes (VPT) vertical launchers with six vertical Tomahawk cruise missile launchers each, the Block V-series boat will be capable of carrying 40 Tomahawk cruise missiles in vertical launchers (excluding some the number of missiles that can theoretically be launched through torpedo tubes). According to a number of reports, the number of VPM modules on the Block VI series boats will be increased to six.
The first nuclear submarine of the Block V series, equipped with VPM - SSN 803 (now SSGN 803) Arizona modules, according to the US Navy, is scheduled to enter service in fiscal year 2029. The lead submarine of the Block VI SSGN 814 Potomac series, according to preliminary data, is expected to be commissioned in fiscal year 2034, the construction of ordered boats of this series is planned to be carried out by 2038. year.
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Infographic (c) of the US Navy
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| The official infographic of 2022, showing modifications of American nuclear submarines of the Virginia type. |
| Source: General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) |
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| Placement of modules with vertical Virginia Payload Module (VPM) launchers on a Virginia Block V series nuclear submarine (in fact, as mentioned, VPM modules will not be installed on the lead boat of this SSN 802 Oklahoma series). |
| Source: US Navy |
The official image of the planned lead American nuclear submarine with missile armament SSGN 803 Arizona type Virginia Block V series. In the middle part of the hull, the installation of four modules with vertical launchers of the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) is visible, and in the bow of the hull there are two modules with vertical launchers of the Virginia Payload Tubes (VPT) (c) of the US Navy
