US Navy is reclassifying 19 Virginia-class submarines to reflect increased attack capabilities
By Riley Ceder
Aug 3, 2026, 09:42 PM
A rendered image of the Virginia Block V attack submarine. (Image courtesy of General Dynamics)
The U.S. Navy announced on Monday that it is reclassifying planned nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarines to differentiate them from past generations with a less lethal munitions package.
The service changed the designation for 19 boats equipped with the Virginia Payload Module from “fast-attack submarines” to “guided missile submarines.”
“Reclassifying Virginia Payload Module-equipped submarines as SSGNs accurately reflects the extraordinary strike capacity, operational flexibility, and global reach these platforms bring to the fleet,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle. “These submarines will provide our nation with a powerful and persistent deterrent, expand options for our combatant commanders, and ensure the Navy remains ready to fight and win whenever and wherever called upon.”
The Virginia Payload Module will install four diameter payload tubes onboard each Virginia-class submarine, each of which can carry seven Tomahawk cruise missiles, totaling an extra 28 missiles for each submarine.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-navy/2026/08/04/us-navy-is-reclassifying-19-virginia-class-submarines-to-reflect-increased-attack-capabilities/
