US Navy Confirms Creation of New Reconnaissance SSN for Seabed Operations: Replacing USS Jimmy Carter

The US Navy has officially confirmed plans to build a unique submarine designed to carry out secret reconnaissance missions on the seabed. According to Defense Express, citing War Zone data, the new submarine will be built based on the Virginia-class Block V multi-purpose nuclear submarine. This decision marks an important step in the evolution of the US submarine fleet, aimed at strengthening control over underwater infrastructure and conducting covert operations amidst growing competition.

Technical Features and the VPM Module

The key feature of the new boat will be the use of an elongated hull with an integrated 25-meter VPM (Virginia Payload Module). In the standard Block V variant, this module contains four revolver-type launchers capable of holding up to 28 Tomahawk cruise missiles. However, in the reconnaissance variant, these cells will be replaced with a secret module allowing for operations such as splicing and cutting underwater cables, destroying pipelines, lifting objects from the bottom, and other specialized tasks.

Replacing USS Jimmy Carter and Expanding Capabilities

The new reconnaissance SSN is intended to replace the aging USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23), which was commissioned in 2005. By 2026, its age will exceed 20 years, making it vulnerable to modern threats. The new boat will feature a command center and cargo hold adaptable to specific missions, as well as the ability to deploy unmanned underwater vehicles for deep-sea research. This will significantly expand the US Navy's capabilities in the field of underwater reconnaissance and sabotage.

Strategic Importance and Program Context

The creation of a new reconnaissance SSN fits into the overall strategy of modernizing the US submarine fleet. According to data, a total of 12 Virginia-class Block V submarines will be built, 11 of which will receive the standard combat VPM module, while one will receive a specialized reconnaissance module. This decision will allow the US Navy to maintain a balance between strike and reconnaissance capabilities without losing in numbers or flexibility of application.

Contradictory Data

Although the main parameters of the new boat have been confirmed, there are discrepancies in the details. Some sources indicate that all 12 Block V boats will be equipped with the standard VPM module, while others claim that one of them will be converted into a reconnaissance variant. There is also no consensus on the commissioning dates of the new boat and its exact name. These issues remain open and require further clarification from the US Navy.

Conclusions and Prospects

The creation of a new reconnaissance SSN based on the Virginia Block V demonstrates the US Navy's drive for versatility and flexibility in a changing geopolitical environment. Replacing the USS Jimmy Carter and implementing new technologies will allow the US to maintain leadership in the field of underwater reconnaissance and sabotage. However, the lack of full transparency in project details leaves room for speculation and requires further monitoring by analysts and experts.