US decommissions its mighty Ohio-class missile subs: Era comes to end
Submarine (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
The world's most powerful cruise missile carriers, the Ohio-class submarines, will be retired in the coming years, according to a Reuters report.
These quiet killers, capable of carrying over 150 Tomahawk missiles, will be replaced by a new generation of submarines.
The Ohio-class guided missile submarine (SSGN) is one of the most destructive combat platforms in the Pentagon's arsenal. Due to its enormous size, it can carry an incredible payload: 154 Tomahawk missiles.
These submarines were a decisive factor in many military campaigns, particularly during the Gulf War and the 2011 operation in Libya. The ability to deliver massive precision strikes against headquarters, bunkers, and troop concentrations while remaining completely safe underwater made them a key first-strike tool.
Record-breaking endurance: 700 days at sea
One of the unique characteristics of the Ohio class is its endurance. These submarines can carry out continuous missions lasting nearly two years.
- For example, the submarine USS Florida covered nearly 70,000 miles during 700 days of combat patrol. This is critically important for the Pacific region, where vast maritime spaces require forces to remain at sea for extended periods without entering ports.
Why the legends are being retired
Despite their effectiveness, the Ohio-class submarines have been in service much longer than originally intended. The US Navy officially plans to decommission them between 2026 and 2028.
The veterans will be replaced by Virginia-class submarines (Block V). They will receive a special additional section that will allow them to carry 28 more Tomahawks than previous versions. Although the total firepower of one such submarine will be 40 missiles (fewer than the Ohio's 154), they will be more technologically advanced and maneuverable.
"Smart" weapons of the future
The primary armament of the new submarines will remain the Tomahawk Block IV missiles. These munitions are not just projectiles, but full-fledged reconnaissance assets:
- They are equipped with a dual data link for in-flight retargeting.
- They are capable of conducting additional reconnaissance and surveillance while in the air.
- They destroy enemy infrastructure without exposing the submarine crew to risk.
Why this matters:
The decommissioning of the Ohio-class submarines means a temporary loss of enormous aggregate firepower. However, the US is accelerating the construction pace of new submarines to fill this gap in strategic deterrence as quickly as possible.
