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.
Source: Defense Updates
