The US has begun construction of the Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Tang, which will receive 40 Tomahawk cruise missiles

The US Navy ordered the USS Tang (SSN 805), a nuclear-powered attack submarine, on 2 December 2019. Nearly four years later, General Dynamics Electric Boat began construction.

Here's What We Know

USS Tang (SSN 805) is the next Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine and the fourth Block V-level submarine. It will also be the first to receive the Virginia Payload Module (VPM). The name was officially announced on 17 November 2020.

The presence of the VPM in the centre section will allow the submarine to be additionally equipped with 28 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Thus, USS Tang (SSN 805) will be armed with a total of 40 missiles.

The U.S. Navy is ready for a large investment in the project. USS Tang (SSN 805) will be the 32nd submarine, and the service plans to receive more than 40 submarines in total, including Block VI and Block VII. In addition, the first Virgina-class nuclear-powered submarines will begin receiving hypersonic weapons later this decade.

Source: US Navy