The U.S. Navy has locked in its Virginia-class submarine acquisition plan beyond 2030.

The U.S. Navy locks in next-generation multi-mission Virginia-class submarines

The U.S. Navy has confirmed plans to procure the first four multi-mission Virginia-class submarines—specifically the Block VII variant—in fiscal years 2030 and 2031. This move will ensure Virginia-class submarine production continues into the 2040s, as the next-generation SSN(X) nuclear attack submarine program faces delays.

"This decision underscores the evolution of the Virginia-class submarines: once serving as 'submarine hunters' in the post-Cold War era, they are now becoming the primary platform for long-range strike operations, clandestine intelligence and surveillance, undersea warfare, and deterrence against growing pressures from China and Russia in the Indo-Pacific region."

Future Virginia-class variants such as Block VI and Block VII are expected to surpass traditional anti-submarine warfare by integrating unmanned underwater systems, reducing acoustic signatures, expanding intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, and incorporating assets tailored for specialized seabed operations. With an extended weapons capacity of up to 40 Tomahawk cruise missiles, these new Virginia-class submarines will serve as versatile undersea combat platforms.

U.S. Navy leadership also clarified that funding for the production of six Block VI Virginia-class submarines is scheduled between 2027 and 2029. However, the Block VII variant currently exists only as a concept, not yet an approved final design.

From 1998 to 2026, the Virginia-class submarine evolved from a 115-meter-long, 7,800-ton attack submarine emerging in the post-Cold War era into a 140-meter-long, over-10,000-ton multi-mission nuclear-powered attack submarine.

"Current procurement decisions are driven by industrial constraints, as U.S. shipyards currently average just 1.1 to 1.3 Virginia-class submarines annually—despite the Navy’s longstanding goal of delivering at least two such submarines per year." The first batch of Virginia-class submarines, consisting of four vessels, established the foundational architecture for all subsequent variants. Their armament includes 12 vertical launch tubes for Tomahawk missiles and four 533 mm torpedo tubes. Additionally, the design incorporates compatibility with the UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile. The propulsion system uses pump-jet propulsion to minimize cavitation and acoustic noise.

This March, the U.S. Navy added its 25th Virginia-class submarine—SSN-798 Massachusetts—to the fleet, marking the seventh vessel of the Block IV upgrade (with a total of ten planned). The next generation of Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines will include ten Block V upgrade vessels.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865763194828873/

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