Are Submarines Still Relevant For War?

"Undersea warfare has come a long way since the first experimental contraptions took to the seas. The modern nuclear-powered submarine represents a huge investment in money, resources, and time. There is serious debate in naval and defense communities about the future of submarines. While several nations are investing in bringing their submarine fleets up to modern standards, there are some signs that the submarine's days may be numbered, though many analysts still see them as relevant for decades ahead."

"A Tomahawk cruise missile can be fired from a submarine with a range of , and ballistic submarines carry the nuclear deterrents of six nations. Submarines armed with nuclear weapons form a critical aspect of nuclear strategy by providing second-strike capability. In the event of a nuclear war, no matter how devastating the opening salvo, a nuclear submarine will guarantee a deadly counterstrike."

Submarines evolved into nuclear-powered platforms that require enormous investments of money, resources, and time. Modern submarines perform reconnaissance, long-range land-attack missions, and carry strategic nuclear weapons. Ballistic submarines provide second-strike capability and underpin the nuclear deterrent for six nations. Several countries are modernizing submarine fleets while advances in anti-submarine warfare, sensors, unmanned systems, and surveillance threaten to make the oceans increasingly transparent. High costs, vulnerability to detection, and emerging technologies create debate over future utility. Submarines will likely remain relevant for decades, though strategic roles and designs may shift; India’s SSBN force remains smaller and less mature.

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