US christens latest Virginia-class SSN
The Virginia-class submarine USS Montana (SSN 794) was launched on 12 September in a ceremony at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.
Construction of Montana began April 2015, as the third of ten Block IV Virginia-class submarines to be built for the USN.
The new submarines will replace older Los Angeles-class boats as the latter are withdrawn from service.
Compared with previous Virginia-class boats, Block IV reduces the total cost of ownership for the USN by making small-scale design changes to increase the component-level lifecycle of the submarine, thereby increasing availability between maintenance.
Block IV submarines are scheduled to undergo three major maintenance overhauls and conduct 15 deployments during their lifetime, compared to four overhauls and 14 deployments with Blocks 1 to III.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Virginia Class Attack Submarine (SSN 792-SSN 811)
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Swedish Visby frigates to get air defence system under $166 million contract]()
Swedish Visby frigates to get air defence system under $166 million contract
Saab announced in 2021 that it had signed an agreement with Swedish defence procurement for the development of plans for a Visby upgrade. One aspect of the upgrade is for the introduction of a surface-to-air missile capability.
-
![Boeing to upgrade Royal Australian Navy communications system]()
Boeing to upgrade Royal Australian Navy communications system
The improvements to the navy fleet are part of a vision to create a single integrated network to enhance transmissions across the Australian Defence Force (ADF) incorporating its naval, air and land forces.
-
![Japanese navy bets on autonomous technology for the future]()
Japanese navy bets on autonomous technology for the future
Faced with persistent recruitment shortfalls, the JMSDF has turned to unmanned surface and underwater systems to maintain operational capability.
-
![First Type 31 frigate for UK Royal Navy rolls out of construction]()
First Type 31 frigate for UK Royal Navy rolls out of construction
Named the HMS Venturer, this roll out marks a pivotal milestone as it moves from the construction phase to then undergo outfitting and systems integration ahead of sea trials.
-
![Japan orders first upgraded Mogami-class frigates for the JMSDF]()
Japan orders first upgraded Mogami-class frigates for the JMSDF
The JMSDF has commissioned the seventh Mogami-class ship as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries advances upgraded frigates and supply vessels.
