US Navy Ordered Baltimore Submarine Conversion
The service will refit the Virginia-class attack submarine to perform specialized warfare support missions.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Military
Live Poll
Should the US government prioritize increasing military spending to upgrade submarine warfare capabilities?
The US Navy decided in 2024 to convert the future USS Baltimore, a Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine, into a platform for special warfare and seabed operations. The vessel will replace the aging USS Jimmy Carter in this support role.
Why it matters
This modification ensures the military retains critical special warfare and seabed mission capabilities as current platforms reach the end of their service lives. Integrating the Virginia payload module allows for expanded operational versatility in both littoral and deep-water environments.
The vessel is designed to reach speeds exceeding 25 knots and will be fitted with a module housing 28 guided missiles. This upgrade provides a 230 per cent increase in strike capacity per ship while keeping total cost growth under 15 per cent.
The players
US Navy
The branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for naval warfare and operations.
General Dynamics Electric Boat
A prominent defense contractor and the primary builder of submarines for the United States Navy.
USS Jimmy Carter
A Seawolf-class submarine currently tasked with special warfare support duties that the Baltimore will eventually replace.
The details
General Dynamics Electric Boat will perform the modifications on the USS Baltimore, currently under construction, to accommodate special warfare support duties. The installation of the Virginia payload module is central to enabling the submarine to handle these unique mission profiles.
Timeline
The USS Baltimore was ordered in 2024.
Political Context
The Virginia Payload Module represents a major shift in how the Navy modularizes its strike capabilities. By retrofitting existing designs, the service maintains combat effectiveness without the need to commission entirely new hull classes.
This conversion impacts taxpayers by committing funds to specialized naval upgrades that enhance national defense capabilities. It reflects long-term planning for undersea dominance, which may influence future federal defense spending allocations.
The takeaway
This modification highlights a strategic shift toward upgrading existing naval platforms rather than building new ones to meet evolving warfare needs. Investing in modular vessel designs provides the military with greater flexibility to adapt to changing seabed mission requirements.
Further reading
For additional context on naval modernization, visit our Military section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Baird Maritime.
Live Poll
Should the US government prioritize increasing military spending to upgrade submarine warfare capabilities?
