The Virginia Block V attack submarine represents a revolutionary advancement in undersea warfare. With its significantly enlarged hull capable of carrying up to 40 cruise missiles, the U.S. Navy’s new submarine is a formidable weapon that has raised alarms, particularly within China’s naval leadership. Designed as a versatile multi-mission platform, the Virginia Block V promises to redefine the role of submarines in modern naval strategy.
This submarine is poised to replace older guided-missile submarines and fill a critical role in the U.S. Navy’s strategic efforts to counter long-range threats. Its cutting-edge technology, including enhanced stealth capabilities and an expanded strike potential, makes it a key asset for the U.S. Navy. However, these advancements have not gone unnoticed by China, which sees the Block V as a direct threat to its dominance in the Pacific, reports Visegrád Post.
Enhanced Strike Capabilities with Larger Hull
The Virginia Block V attack submarine features a significantly enlarged hull compared to its predecessors, an upgrade that boosts its strike capabilities. An 84-foot hull extension allows for the addition of four large-diameter missile tubes, each capable of carrying seven Tomahawk cruise missiles.
This provides the Block V with the ability to carry up to 40 missiles, a substantial increase in firepower. These missile tubes are not only for the traditional Tomahawk land-attack missiles; they can also deploy large-diameter unmanned undersea vehicles, hypersonic prompt-strike missiles, and the new maritime strike version of the Tomahawk against ships.
This flexibility in payload greatly expands the operational scope of the submarine, enabling it to perform a wide range of missions including both strike and surveillance roles.
Stealth and Acoustic Superiority
The Virginia Block V’s acoustic superiority program is another standout feature, enhancing the submarine’s stealth capabilities. It incorporates several technological upgrades, including a new vertical array and advanced coatings, alongside quieting technology designed to reduce the noise made by its machinery.
These features make the Block V significantly quieter than its predecessors, ensuring that it can operate undetected in contested waters. The stealth enhancements also improve the submarine’s ability to detect other ships and submarines while maintaining its own position covertly. This heightened stealth capability is crucial for ensuring the submarine’s operational effectiveness in high-risk environments.
Cost Considerations and Strategic Implications
The Virginia Block V attack submarine comes with a hefty price tag, each costing over $3.5 billion. The total value of the program, including government-furnished equipment, is estimated to exceed $35 billion if all ten submarines are delivered.
This high cost underscores the Navy’s strategic emphasis on missile deployment to counter long-range threats. However, experts have raised concerns about the financial sustainability of such a significant investment, suggesting that alternatives, such as large unmanned surface combatants, may be needed to enhance missile capacity affordably.
