The eighth of ten planned Block IV Virginia-class submarines has been handed over to the U.S. Navy ahead of her anticipated 2026 commissioning into service.
Earlier this week at its base in Groton, Connecticut, General Dynamic Electric Boat (GDEB) delivered the future USS Idaho to the U.S. Navy, as per a recent press statement.
The new boat, laid down in 2020 and launched in August 2024, represents the 26th Virginia-class submarine co-produced by GDEB and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding, and the 14th delivered by GDEB.
Tests and sea trials will now follow before the submarine is officially commissioned into active service in spring next year, as per Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
Virginia-class submarine programme manager Captain Mike Hollenbach commented: “Idaho represents the hard work and tenacity of shipbuilders, industry partners and Navy personnel to deliver the best undersea warfighting platform to the fleet.”
The nuclear-powered Virginia-class attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships.
They are armed with torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles and are designed for a range of missions including Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), mine warfare, battle group support, and Special Operation Forces (SOF) deployments.
The Block III and IV boats are 140m long, displace about 10,200 tons fully submerged and are capable of speeds in excess of 25 knots. They feature a revised bow section with a Large Aperture Bow (LAB) sonar array, and two large-diameter Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching six Tomahawks.
- You can read more details on the NAVSEA website