US submarines’ extended firepower with advanced missile tubes to bolster attack impact
The Virginia-class submarines are equipped with vertical missile launch tubes and four 533mm torpedo tubes.
A British defense firm is set to make missile tubes for the United States’ Block VI Virginia-class submarines.
BAE Systems has received a $70 million contract for the production of missile tubes, which add significant firepower to submarines.
It can boost the payload capacity of Virginia-class submarines with its ability to launch up to seven Tomahawks or future missile variants.
Missile tubes deliver critical firepower
“These missile tubes deliver critical firepower to the Virginia-class submarine fleet, a cornerstone to U.S. national security,” said Charles Lewis, director of Submarine Programs for Platforms & Services at BAE Systems.
“Continuing to manufacture VPMs at our Louisville, Kentucky, facility maintains our strong support to the industrial base, while also ensuring Sailors receive the capability they need to protect our country.”