The US Navy has decided that 19 future Virginia-class submarines equipped with the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) will be reclassified as guided-missile submarines (SSGNs), reflecting their increased weapons capacity and expanded precision-strike role. The reclassification applies to future Block V and Block VI Virginia-class submarines fitted with the VPM, a hull extension designed to significantly increase weapons capacity and provide greater payload flexibility. The US Navy said the designation change recognizes the platforms’ enhanced role in delivering high-volume, long-range precision strike capabilities as part of future Distributed Maritime Operations. "Reclassifying Virginia Payload Module-equipped submarines as SSGNs accurately reflects the extraordinary strike capacity, operational flexibility, and global reach these platforms bring to the Fleet," said the Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Daryl Caudle. Virginia-class submarines are capable of conducting a broad spectrum of open-ocean and littoral missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, precision strike, intelligence collection, irregular warfare, and mine warfare.