The Retirement of Ohio-Class SSGNs and the Navy’s Strategic Response

The U.S. Navy is facing a significant shift in its submarine fleet as four Ohio-class guided missile submarines (SSGNs) prepare to retire between 2026 and 2028. Each of these vessels is capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, resulting in a total of 616 missiles being removed from the fleet. This retirement represents a major loss of firepower that the Navy must address.

To counter this, the Navy has turned to the Virginia-class attack submarines, specifically the Block V variant, which incorporates the Virginia Payload Module (VPM). This module increases the number of Tomahawk missiles each submarine can carry, from 12 to 40. While this upgrade significantly enhances the firepower of the Virginia-class boats, it still falls short of the capacity provided by the retiring SSGNs.

The Challenge of Replacing 616 Tomahawks

The Navy has ordered 10 Block V Virginia-class submarines, which would provide a total of 400 Tomahawk missiles. However, this number is still less than the 616 missiles previously carried by the SSGNs. This discrepancy raises concerns about a potential firepower gap, especially if the delivery of the Block V submarines lags behind schedule.

The challenge is compounded by the demands of the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, which are also under development. These factors, along with industrial limitations, make it difficult for the Navy to meet its goal of producing two Virginia-class submarines per year by 2028. This timeline may not be sufficient to fully replace the firepower of the retiring SSGNs.

The Evolution of the Tomahawk Missile

Despite the reduction in numbers, the Tomahawk missile remains a critical component of the Navy’s arsenal. Recent advancements have enhanced the missile’s capabilities, including two-way data links, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) loiter, and the ability to strike moving targets. These improvements ensure that the Tomahawk remains relevant in modern warfare scenarios.

Additionally, the Virginia-class submarines retain the ability to support clandestine Special Operations Forces (SOF) missions through the use of lock-out trunks. This feature allows special operators to deploy underwater without surfacing, maintaining the Navy’s undersea power projection even as the focus shifts from sheer missile mass to more versatile capabilities.

The Need for Sustained Firepower

While technological advancements have improved the precision and flexibility of the Tomahawk, the principle of “mass matters” in warfare still holds relevance. In a great power conflict, the ability to launch large-scale cruise missile attacks could be crucial for targeting enemy air defenses, weapons storage facilities, or force concentration areas.

Historically, the Tomahawk has been used to destroy fixed targets such as bunkers, command centers, and troop locations. However, recent upgrades have enabled the missile to engage moving targets, such as ships at sea. This evolution ensures that the Tomahawk remains a versatile weapon system.

The Future of Submarine Capabilities

As the Navy transitions from the Ohio-class SSGNs to the Virginia-class Block V submarines, it must navigate the challenges of maintaining both firepower and operational flexibility. The development of the Columbia-class submarines will further complicate this transition, as resources and production capacity must be carefully managed.

Congress and the Navy have worked together to accelerate the production of Virginia-class submarines, but budget constraints and industrial limitations continue to pose obstacles. Meeting the goal of two submarines per year by 2028 will require sustained investment and coordination.

Conclusion

The retirement of the Ohio-class SSGNs marks a pivotal moment in the U.S. Navy’s strategic planning. While the Virginia-class Block V submarines offer a significant increase in firepower, they cannot fully replicate the capabilities of the retired SSGNs. The Navy must continue to invest in advanced technologies and maintain a balance between missile mass and operational versatility to ensure readiness for future conflicts.

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