The Future of US Navy Submarine Firepower

US Navy Release

The US Navy operates four Ohio-class submarines, each capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. These 1980s-era vessels have played crucial roles in conflicts such as the Persian Gulf War and the 2011 Libya intervention. However, after over 40 years in service, these submarines—USS Florida, USS Georgia, USS Ohio, and USS Michigan—are nearing retirement. Scheduled to be decommissioned by 2028, their departure will significantly reduce the Navy’s conventional missile firepower.

To compensate for this loss, the Navy has been developing Block V Virginia-class attack submarines. Unlike earlier Virginia-class models, which can launch 12 Tomahawk missiles, Block V versions incorporate an 80-foot Virginia Payload Module, expanding their capacity to 40 missiles per boat. Between 2019 and 2023, the Navy procured ten Block V submarines, several of which are already under construction.

This upgrade is strategically significant, as modern warfare increasingly relies on high-volume, precision-guided missile strikes. The Tomahawk missile, capable of reaching targets up to 900 miles away at speeds of 550 mph, remains a key asset in military engagements. The ability to launch a large salvo of these missiles provides a crucial advantage, particularly in potential conflicts requiring long-range precision strikes.

In a major engagement, ten Block V Virginia-class submarines could collectively fire up to 400 Tomahawks, ensuring the ability to overwhelm enemy defences. Furthermore, recent enhancements to Tomahawk missiles have increased their effectiveness. Block IV Tomahawks feature a two-way data link, allowing in-flight retargeting, while Tactical Tomahawks can engage moving targets. These advancements enable submarines to strike enemy ships and convoys with greater accuracy.

Submarines provide a stealthy platform for missile deployment, making them less vulnerable than surface ships. The combination of increased missile capacity and improved targeting capabilities strengthens the US Navy’s deterrence and warfighting potential. As the Ohio-class SSGNs retire, Block V Virginia-class submarines will play a pivotal role in maintaining America’s naval strike power, ensuring readiness for future conflicts.