USS Arizona Submarine: Nuclear Successor With 28 Tomahawks 2026

The USS Arizona is making a historic return—not as a battleship, but as a nuclear-powered submarine armed with 28 Tomahawk missiles. Eighty-five years after the original USS Arizona was sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. Navy is building a successor that carries the same name but represents a quantum leap in naval warfare.

The new USS Arizona (SSN-803) is a Virginia-class Block V submarine currently under construction. It will be the first submarine to incorporate the Virginia Payload Module (VPM), a game-changing compartment that dramatically increases its firepower. This isn't just a tribute; it's a statement about the future of undersea dominance.

From Battleship to Submarine: The USS Arizona Legacy

The original USS Arizona was a Pennsylvania-class battleship built in 1916. It served in World War I and was later moored at Pearl Harbor. On December 7, 1941, during the Japanese attack, the ship suffered a catastrophic explosion and sank, killing 1,177 crew members. The wreck remains at the bottom of Pearl Harbor and serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives.

Now, the Navy is resurrecting the name for a vessel that embodies modern stealth and precision strike capabilities. The new USS Arizona will not be a floating fortress but a silent hunter, capable of launching devastating attacks from beneath the waves.

Virginia Payload Module: A Game-Changer in Firepower

The Virginia Payload Module (VPM) is the centerpiece of the new USS Arizona's design. This 28-cell vertical launch system adds four large tubes to the submarine's existing armament, enabling it to carry a total of 28 Tomahawk cruise missiles. That's a massive increase compared to earlier Virginia-class subs, which typically carry 12 Tomahawks.

The VPM not only boosts firepower but also provides flexibility. It can accommodate future payloads, including unmanned underwater vehicles and other advanced systems. This modular approach ensures the submarine remains relevant for decades to come.

Key Specifications of the New USS Arizona

• Class: Virginia-class Block V
• Length: 140.5 meters (461 feet)
• Displacement: 10,364 tons submerged
• Armament: 28 Tomahawk cruise missiles via VPM
• Builder: General Dynamics Electric Boat

Construction Milestone: First Section Transferred

The first 56-meter section of the submarine was recently moved from Quonset Point, Rhode Island, to Groton, Connecticut, where final assembly will take place. This transfer marks a significant milestone in the construction process. General Dynamics Electric Boat, the prime contractor, is overseeing the build.

Once completed, the USS Arizona will join the fleet as one of the most advanced submarines in the world. Its combination of stealth, endurance, and firepower will make it a critical asset for the U.S. Navy. The background to this story is set out in Nuclear Submarines for Australia: Are Virginia-Class Boats Right. A related thread runs through China's 120-Meter Nuclear Submarine: New Satellite Images Reveal Key Details. Earlier coverage in USS Lincoln Suicide Attempts: Navy Confirms Eight Cases shows how the argument developed.

Comparison: Old vs. New USS Arizona

Why This Matters for U.S. Naval Strategy

The new USS Arizona represents a shift in naval strategy. Submarines are increasingly important for power projection, especially in contested waters. The VPM-equipped Virginia-class subs can strike land targets from long range while remaining undetected. A closer look at the same subject appears in Australia's Nuclear Submarine Fleet: A Global Proliferation. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Australia's Nuclear Submarine Fleet: Weapons-Grade Uranium. The same theme surfaces in Australia's Nuclear Submarine Uranium Cache: A Global Threat, which takes a different angle.

This capability is particularly relevant in the Indo-Pacific region, where the U.S. faces growing competition from China. The ability to carry 28 Tomahawks gives the USS Arizona significant deterrent value. Context on how this played out before sits in Australia Nuclear Submarine Fleet Leaves Weapons-Usable Uranium. A companion piece, Aukus Nuclear Submarine Deal Full Steam Ahead, Says Pentagon, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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