{"id":21814,"date":"2025-10-03T05:59:03","date_gmt":"2025-10-03T04:59:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visegradpost.com\/?p=21814"},"modified":"2025-10-02T11:02:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T10:02:16","slug":"they-built-a-ghost-with-40-tomahawks-virginia-block-v-submarine-expands-its-hull-breaks-old-limits-and-redefines-undersea-warfare","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visegradpost.com\/en\/2025\/10\/03\/they-built-a-ghost-with-40-tomahawks-virginia-block-v-submarine-expands-its-hull-breaks-old-limits-and-redefines-undersea-warfare\/","title":{"rendered":"“They built a ghost with 40 Tomahawks”: Virginia Block V Submarine Expands Its Hull, Breaks Old Limits, And Redefines Undersea Warfare"},"content":{"rendered":"
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IN A NUTSHELL<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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  • \ud83d\udea2 The Virginia Block V<\/strong> features an enlarged hull, enhancing its strike capabilities<\/strong> with up to 40 cruise missiles.<\/li>\n
  • \ud83d\udd27 Designed as a multimission submarine<\/strong>, it performs roles previously assigned to retiring guided-missile submarines.<\/li>\n
  • \ud83d\udd0a Equipped with an acoustic superiority program<\/strong>, it offers improved stealth and advanced listening technologies.<\/li>\n
  • \ud83d\udcb0 The program’s cost exceeds $3.5 billion<\/strong> per submarine, underscoring a strategic emphasis on missile deployment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

    The Virginia Block V attack submarine represents a groundbreaking advancement in naval warfare technology, showcasing enhanced capabilities and strategic versatility. As part of the largest shipbuilding contract in U.S. Navy history, this program signifies a substantial investment in national security. General Dynamics Electric Boat, the lead contractor, is spearheading the construction of this advanced submarine under a contract exceeding $22 billion. Designed as a true multimission vessel, the Block V is equipped for strike capabilities, surveillance missions, and the deployment of large-diameter unmanned underwater vehicles. This article delves into the key features that make the Virginia Block V a revolutionary force in naval defense.<\/p>\n

    Enlarged Hull and Increased Firepower<\/h2>\n

    The Virginia Block V<\/strong> submarine is distinguished by its significantly enlarged hull, which enhances its operational capacity. Of the nine to ten submarines planned, eight will include an 84-foot hull extension<\/i> designed to accommodate additional weaponry. This extension features four large-diameter tubes, each capable of carrying seven Tomahawk cruise missiles, supplementing the 12 missiles housed in the bow. This configuration allows the Block V to carry up to 40 cruise missiles, markedly boosting its strike capabilities.<\/p>\n

    Beyond traditional Tomahawk land-attack missiles, the large tubes offer versatile deployment options. These include large-diameter unmanned undersea vehicles, hypersonic prompt-strike missiles, and the maritime strike version of the Tomahawk for anti-ship operations. This flexibility in payload capacities significantly broadens the scope of missions the submarine can undertake, leveraging its stealth and firepower to perform a wide range of strategic operations.<\/p>\n

    \u201cThe $32 Billion Failure That Promised to Change War\u201d Inside the U.S. Army\u2019s Futuristic Tank Program That Delivered Nothing<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n