US Navy Plans 19 New Nuclear Submarines to Counter China’s Pacific Expansion

The United States Navy announced a major shift in its submarine fleet strategy by converting 19 attack submarines into guided missile submarines to address China’s rapid military buildup in the Pacific Ocean. This transformation involves upgrading Virginia-class submarines with the Virginia Payload Module, adding 28 missile launch cells to the existing 12, enabling them to carry Tomahawk cruise missiles and hypersonic weapons. These stealthy submarines will be capable of penetrating Chinese defense systems, particularly near the first island chain stretching from Japan through Taiwan to the Philippines.

This move comes amid a significant reduction in the US Navy’s underwater strike capability, as four Ohio-class guided missile submarines, each capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk missiles, are being retired starting this year. The Ohio-class subs have been critical for global deterrence and combat missions, including support during the 2025 strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The new Virginia-class guided missile submarines are expected to join the fleet starting in 2029, with the last planned for 2038, creating a temporary gap in missile strike capacity.

Experts note that a single Virginia-class sub carries only about 26% of the missile load of an Ohio-class, requiring multiple new subs to match the firepower of one Ohio. However, spreading missiles across more platforms complicates enemy targeting. Meanwhile, China has accelerated its nuclear submarine production, surpassing the US in both number and total displacement of subs launched between 2021 and 2025. The Pentagon also reported a 50% increase in China’s missile stockpile over four years.

Despite challenges including a shrinking US ammunition stockpile since President Trump’s decision to support Israel and strike Iran, US naval commanders express confidence that the upgraded submarines will maintain undersea dominance. The Navy emphasized that these submarines will operate effectively in contested waters, ensuring continued US strategic superiority in the region.