US to Make 19 Attack Submarines Larger and More Powerful

The U.S. Department of Defense has decided to convert upcoming Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) into nuclear-powered guided-missile submarines (SSGNs), CNN reported.

The Pentagon explained that it will install a 25.6-meter-long Virginia Payload Module (VPM) featuring 28 missile launch cells in addition to the 12 vertical launch tubes already on these SSNs.

This means the submarines will become larger and their armament levels will be significantly enhanced.

SSNs are primarily used for attacking enemy submarines and surface ships as well as conducting reconnaissance operations, carrying a small number of missiles launched via torpedoes or torpedo tubes.

SSGNs are armed with cruise missiles and hypersonic missiles for precision strikes against distant land targets and the mass deployment of anti-ship missiles.

Citing experts, CNN evaluated that combined with the stealth characteristics of the submarines, this will provide a core capability to penetrate China's missile defense networks, marking a "critical turning point" for the U.S. Navy's future submarine force.

The U.S. Navy decided on this measure in line with the scheduled retirement of four Ohio-class SSGNs starting this year.

These submarines can each carry up to 154 Tomahawk missiles, serving as core U.S. assets that perform deterrence and combat missions worldwide.

It is estimated that the retirement of these four ships will reduce the U.S. Navy's underwater strike capability by up to 60 percent.

While the U.S. Navy is confident that the 19 SSNs to be converted into SSGNs will sufficiently make up for the retirement of the Ohio-class vessels, CNN projected that the first Virginia-class SSGN is not scheduled to be delivered until 2029, leaving a gap during which the U.S. Navy's strike capability will weaken.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.