Posted on 05/19/2024 9:23:09 AM PDT by Chode
In some respects, advanced submarines are a kind final boss of sorts in the world of naval warfare. Stealthy and well armed, for many nations these resource intensive platforms have underpinned naval strategy and nuclear deterrence for years. Investments in submarines and their associated industrial bases have been on the rise in countries like the USA and PRC for years, and we've seen new powers either obtain or seek to obtain nuclear submarine capability.
But much of the value of the submarine comes from the assumption that submerging brings stealth. And with new or predicted technological developments, some are predicting that in coming years or decades, that assumption may no longer hold true.
So today, we look at submarines, some of the technologies that might threaten them, and ask what the future might bring for these underwater hunters.
I was in subs from 1980 to 85 (Nuc MM, ELT on USS Flasher SSN-613); not sure they are very stealthy niw with all the tech. Wouldn’t want to be on one today
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I was in subs (Nuc EM) then later an Anti-submarine Warfare Officer on a Frigate. I’ve seen both sides and in a hot war I’d take the sub 100% of the time.
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I’ve always been a great admirer of submarines (and their crews) as a fighting force. But the advances in miniaturization and sensor technology leave me skeptical about the traditional subs long-term efficacy. Perhaps there are some new stealth technologies and innovative designs that will change things, but I agree with one of the posters above who said that “he would not want to be on one” (presumably if the shooting starts between superpowers).
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yes it will, SSBN Clancy...
The deadliest weapon in the world is…..a duck.
It can fly, walk, swim and dive.
One minute, you’re feeding it some bread and then, WHAM……it pulls out a machine gun.
i hate it when that happens...
Old tech. I read that book while on operations in the med getting my Line of Death charter membership.
So do I.
Fortunately, my Dad taught me to never trust a duck, or a man wearing rings on all his fingers.
I always have a pistol behind that loaf of bread.
good man...
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