U.S. Navy’s future attack submarine, nuclear powered USS IDAHO (SSN 799), is launched from General Dynamics Electric Boat’s shipyard into the Thames River. Virginia Class cruise missile rapid attack submarines provide enhanced stealth, advanced observation capabilities, and specialised warfare capabilities, enabling them to meet the Navy’s diverse mission requirements.
The class is designed for various purposes in both open-ocean and coastal environments, such as conducting anti-submarine warfare and intelligence collection operations. In addition, the Virginia class is designed to remain technologically advanced throughout its operational lifespan by utilising modular construction, open architecture, and commercially available components.
This enables the quick integration of new technologies and payloads.
The submarine commenced construction in 2017 and will be the 26th Virginia-class fast attack submarine to be added to the fleet. It will also be the fifth ship to be named after the state.
The AUKUS trilateral security accord will prioritise the acquisition of three pre-owned Virginia-class submarines by the Royal Australian Navy.
The submarine was created with the codename Centurion.
