The two Block V boats will feature the Virginia Payload Module, an additional section in the middle of the hull that will allow the submarines to field more Tomahawks and eventually the Common Hypersonic Missile (CPS). The Navy settled a separate insurance issue with Lockheed Martin over the risk posed to Virginia-class boats from the hypersonic weapons.
“By delivering this funding, the Navy is sending a strong signal to the industrial base to increase capacity while also ensuring we make good on the AUKUS security agreement and sustain our required force structure,” said Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) in a statement.
One of the two attack boats, both fitted with the Virginia Payload Module, will be heavily modified for special operations missions and seabed warfare, according to the Navy’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget documents.
https://news.usni.org/2023/05/23/gd-electric-boat-awarded-1b-for-long-virginia-sub-long-lead-material-after-1-year-delay