“Ironically, they now have fewer subs than we do, but they are not to be underestimated.”
If the Russian and Chinese subs are working together in a conflict with the US, how do the number stack up to us?
After reading about their SIZZLER and SUNBURN missiles, any new weapon we must take seriously.
If their subs are quieter, its very serious.
I did some looking around, these numbers might not be completely accurate, but they are good ballparks, I think (I don’t have access to Jane’s)
Russian Total: 49 Nuclear, 19 Diesel
Nuclear-powered Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN) 13
Nuclear-powered Guided Missile Submarines (SSGN) 8
Nuclear-powered Attack Submarines (SSN) 19
Nuclear-powered Special Mission Submarines (SSAN) 8
Special Purpose Submarines (SSA) 1
Attack Submarines (Diesel) (SS) 19
China Total: 19 Nuclear, 52 non-nuclear (as of 2011, they probably have a couple more now)
Nuclear-powered Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN) 4
Nuclear-powered Guided Missile Submarines (SSGN) 8
Nuclear-powered Attack Submarines (SSN) 7
Attack Submarines (Diesel) (SS) 52 (mix of older diesels with a few modern ones mixed in)
US Total: 75 (all nuclear, all modern)
Nuclear-powered Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN) 18
Nuclear-powered Guided Missile Submarines (SSGN) 4
Nuclear-powered Attack Submarines (SSN) 53
Nuclear-powered Special Mission Submarines (SSAN) Unknown; possibly 2-4
Japan
Attack Submarines (Diesel) (SS) 16 (all modern)
Australia Totals
Attack Submarines (Diesel) (SS) 6 (all modern)