US navy inducts advanced stealth submarine armed with 24 cruise missiles

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Strengthening its dominance at sea, the United States Navy has inducted a highly advanced submarine into its fleet. The submarine, named USS Massachusetts (SSN 798), was officially commissioned during a ceremony at Boston Harbor. It is the 25th submarine of the Virginia-class series, designed to meet modern warfare demands and deliver high-impact precision strikes.

Capable of staying underwater for months undetected

The USS Massachusetts is a fast-attack nuclear submarine known for its speed and stealth capabilities. It can remain submerged for months without being detected by enemy radar systems. Its design allows it to operate effectively in both shallow coastal waters and deep oceans.

Equipped with a powerful nuclear reactor, the submarine has virtually unlimited energy, eliminating the need for frequent resurfacing for refueling. This significantly enhances its endurance and operational capability during long missions.

Equipped with powerful strike capabilities

From a combat perspective, the submarine is considered a highly lethal platform. It measures about 377 feet in length, which can extend to approximately 461 feet with the addition of the Virginia Payload Module.

It can dive to depths exceeding 800 feet and travel at speeds of over 46 km/h underwater. The submarine is armed with 24 Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of striking enemy targets with high precision. It also features advanced MK-48 torpedoes and four torpedo tubes, making it a formidable threat in naval warfare.

More advanced than previous generations

Compared to older submarine classes like the Los Angeles-class submarine and Seawolf-class submarine, the Virginia-class submarines are significantly more advanced. They combine the versatility of earlier models with enhanced stealth technology.

In addition to combat roles, the submarine can support special operations forces during covert missions. It accommodates a crew of around 145 personnel, including 17 officers, with nearly 25 percent of the crew being women.

Its modular design allows for easy upgrades, ensuring compatibility with future technologies and weapons systems.