[chimera]

So, it appears that relatively short-duration missions would be the role these units would fill, perhaps warding off an incursion of warships near a coastline, like a carrier group, or some sort of clandestine littoral operations like insertion of special forces or eavesdropping. Sounds like the nukes will still be out there for longer-term missions, although their vulnerability may have taken a hit with these super-quiet non-nuclear ships on the prowl.

I am no expert in naval tactics, but it looks like some kind of counter to these guys will have to be developed. Maybe a back-to-the-future version of pinging, and get the dolphins and whales some earplugs.

[sukhoi-30mki]

Not exactly-esp if it is a D/E sub with AIP.That is twin propulsion systems.Such subs have an (overall) endurance of upto 50+ days.The new German Type-212/214s can go upto 70 days on patrol,with upto 20 spent at a stretch underwater on AIP.They could increase that time by using the D/E option.Besides,more & more countries are looking at integrating land-attack missile capability to their D/E-AIP subs.The Russians have developed a VLS for their Amur class subs which allow upto 10 heavy cruise missiles to be carried without compromising the boat's torpedo tube launch weapons.