US Navy Expands Submarine Fleet Amid Rising Tensions With China

WHO:

CNN - The US Navy, President Trump, Vice Adm. Rob Gaucher, Adm. Daryl Caudle, Sidharth Kaushal, Bradley Martin, Bryan Clark, Alessio Patalano, Decker Eveleth.

Institute for the Study of War - Japan, PRC (People's Republic of China), Japanese Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae.

WHAT:

CNN - The US Navy announced a plan to classify 19 nuclear-powered Virginia-class attack submarines as guided-missile submarines and equip them with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM).

CNN - The VPM adds 28 missile-launch cells to the existing 12 on current versions of these submarines.

CNN - The first of the Virginia-class SSGNs are not scheduled to join the fleet until 2029, with the last expected to join by 2038.

CNN - The retirement of four Ohio-class guided-missile submarines will reduce the Navy’s undersea strike capability by up to 60%.

Institute for the Study of War - Japan test-fired a Tomahawk cruise missile from the destroyer Chokai, capable of striking within PRC territory.

Institute for the Study of War - Japan plans to procure 400 Tomahawk missiles.

WHERE:

CNN - The Pacific Ocean, near China.

Institute for the Study of War - Japan, Taiwan, Scarborough Shoal.

WHEN:

CNN - The USS Georgia began its deactivation process last month, with the other three Ohio-class SSGNs scheduled to follow over the next several years.

Institute for the Study of War - Japan test-fired the Tomahawk missile on July 29.

WHY:

CNN - The US Navy's submarine fleet expansion is a response to rising tensions with China and aims to enhance capabilities against potential conflicts in the Pacific.

Institute for the Study of War - Japan's missile test indicates its intent to incorporate Tomahawks into its defense strategy amid PRC coercion.

HOW:

CNN - The Virginia-class submarines will be equipped with hypersonic vehicles and Tomahawk land-attack missiles to penetrate China’s missile defenses.

Institute for the Study of War - Japan's missile test involved launching a Tomahawk cruise missile from a destroyer.

(UPDATED August 8, 2026 07:48 UTC)

The US Navy has announced a significant plan to classify 19 nuclear-powered Virginia-class attack submarines as guided-missile submarines, enhancing their capabilities with the Virginia Payload Module, which adds 28 missile-launch cells to the existing 12. In a related development, Japan recently test-fired a Tomahawk cruise missile from the destroyer Chokai, demonstrating its intent to bolster its defense strategy amid rising tensions with the People's Republic of China, and plans to procure 400 Tomahawk missiles. The first of the upgraded Virginia-class submarines are not expected to join the fleet until 2029, while the retirement of four Ohio-class guided-missile submarines will reduce the Navy’s undersea strike capability by up to 60%.