The US Navy is reclassifying 19 Virginia-class submarines to guided missile submarines, reflecting their increased attack capabilities.
The reclassification is due to the Virginia Payload Module, which will install four diameter payload tubes onboard each submarine, carrying up to 28 Tomahawk cruise missiles.
The first submarine to receive the upgrade is the USS Arizona, scheduled for delivery in 2029. The reclassification will apply to planned Block V and Block VI submarines, with 10 Block V submarines incorporating the new module.
