September 5, 2026, 6:02 pm
The U.S. Navy is taking a major step toward reshaping its undersea strike force, with 19 Virginia-class submarines set to receive the SSGN designation as the service prepares to retire its aging fleet of Ohio-class guided-missile submarines.
On August 3, the Navy announced that Virginia-class submarines equipped with the VIRGINIA PAYLOAD MODULE, or VPM, will be redesignated as guided-missile submarines.
10 of these are Block V while 9 are Block VI.
The decision is more than a change in nomenclature.
It reflects the increasingly important role these boats are expected to play in delivering long-range precision strike capability from concealed and highly survivable positions.
The timing is particularly significant because the Navy’s four existing Ohio-class SSGNs are reaching the end of their service lives.
Let’s dig into this.
#defenseupdates #virginiaclass #usnavy
Chapters:
0:00 TITLE
00:11 INTRODUCTION
01:08 SPONSORSHIP – NordVPN
01:42 OHIO SSGN PHASE OUT
03:45 VIRGINIA PAYLOAD MODULE
05:32 DISTRIBUTED FIREPOWER
06:27 ANALYSIS
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