Virginia-class submarine USS Idaho launched
The Idaho launched as part of a long line of Virginia-class submarines. (Photo: US Navy)
The launch of the USS Idaho marks the halfway point of the Virginia-class series of submarines.
The 26th Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, which will be known as the USS Idaho when it enters service, has been launched.
The Idaho (SSN-799), built by General Dynamics Electric Boat at its Connecticut shipyard, will be the eighth Block IV Virginia-class submarine. It will remain pierside for final outfitting ahead of its delivery to the US Navy later in 2024.
Begun in 2017, construction of the Idaho was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, pushing timescales for the subsequent boats in Block IV.
Related Articles
HII authenticates keel for Virginia-class submarine
Latest Virginia-class SSN commissioned by US Navy despite increasing pressure on submarine service
All Block IV Virginias will have one less major maintenance availability than the Block III variant. Block V versions are due to appear as soon as 2025 with additional missile tubes when compared to the Block IVs.
The Block IV Virginias will serve both the US Navy and the Royal Australian Navy under the AUKUS agreement. Twenty boats have planned within Blocks IV and V (10 in each block) with up to 51 Virginia-class submarines in total planned.
Two combined contracts for the Block IV and V submarines have been valued at US$42.2 billion, with the whole of the currently commissioned Virginia fleet scheduled to be in active service by 2030. They will replace the Navy’s Los Angeles-class submarines as each of them reaches the point of their retirement from service.
The Block IV and V Virginia-class submarines will operate in both littoral and coastal waters.
The Block V Virginia class began construction in 2019 on a $22.2 billion fixed-price incentive multi-year procurement contract for the fiscal years 2019 to 2023, giving an estimated unit cost of $2.5 billion each for the Block V submarines. The first Block V Virginia-class submarine is due to launch in 2025.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Airbus and Rohde & Schwarz boost Royal Navy connectivity]()
Airbus and Rohde & Schwarz boost Royal Navy connectivity
A Memorandum of Understanding between the companies is aimed at increasing communications resilience for the fleet.
-
![US Navy commissions the last San Antonio-class Flight I vessel]()
US Navy commissions the last San Antonio-class Flight I vessel
Equipped with the capabilities of the other San Antonio Class ships, the USS Richard M. McCool (LPD 29) incorporated additional lessons learned in its design.
-
![Exail selected to enhance navigation capabilities of the French Navy’s OPV]()
Exail selected to enhance navigation capabilities of the French Navy’s OPV
Naval Group has selected the high-tech industrial group to provide its Phins Inertial Navigation Systems and Netans Data Distribution Units to French OPVs.
-
![Elbit upgrades Seagull USV with drones and loitering weapon systems]()
Elbit upgrades Seagull USV with drones and loitering weapon systems
With demand for USVs high, Elbit has added more capabilities to its fully autonomous vessel.
-
![Saab to build Singapore’s MRCV composite superstructure as it seeks portfolio expansion]()
Saab to build Singapore’s MRCV composite superstructure as it seeks portfolio expansion
Saab, who has been looking to expand its presence in Singapore, will build the forward superstructure and the radar mast of the Multi Role Combat Vessel with carbon composite material.
