Introduction;
Submarines are the most dangerous invention in human history. Five Megatons of explosives were used in World War II? and A Trident 2 missile can carry 12 nuclear warheads and this missile also has 5 megatons of explosives material, A Nuclear Submarine can carry 24 Trident missiles, giving it immense firepower for causing nearby half-world destruction. Submarines have the advantage of moving stealthily and remaining undetected because they are meant to be unseen because of their built purpose, Often surpassing the entire arsenal of some nations in terms of power instantly. On the other hand, aircraft carriers act as a prominent symbol of a nation due to their size and visibility. Submarines, on the other hand, operate in secrecy and go unnoticed, representing an invisible, silent force that can appear anywhere, anytime. They can be seen as a form of psychological warfare, creating uncertainty among enemies regarding their location. With many nations having submarines, these vessels are among the most powerful forces, capable of launching ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. In this blog, we will try to give you a piece of valuable knowledge and information about Submarines.
The Nuclear Capabilities
Nuclear submarines serve as the hidden guardians of the seas, equipped to launch Nuclear missiles when the need arises. Six countries, including the US, UK, France, India, Russia, and China, have verified having nuclear-capable submarines. There are two main types of submarines: attack submarines, which use torpedoes and short-range missiles, and ballistic missile submarines, which serve as mobile stealth launch platforms for nuclear missiles. Evidence suggests that North Korea and Israel also have nuclear-capable submarines.
If a nuclear attack were to occur, with both the attacker and the attacked possessing nuclear weapons, it could result in mutual destruction. This is why many see nuclear-armed submarines as a deterrent, as they reduce the likelihood of nuclear weapon use by guaranteeing quick retaliation and mutual destruction. Given the potential survival of these submarines even if a country or its government falls, they require autonomous authority for missile deployment. While other nations likely have similar protocols, the UK's four ballistic missile submarines reportedly have sealed orders for the commander in case of a catastrophic event. The options include placing the submarines under the command of an ally like the US or Australia, allowing the commander to make decisions, or launching a retaliatory nuclear strike. The deep-sea capability of submarines like the American Ohio class, known to reach depths of up to 800 feet, further enhances their strategic value in defense.
Difficulties of Silent Voyages of Strategic Importance
It is important that submarines can stay underwater for long periods to dive underwater on one side of the world and make their way to the other undetected of course they carry nuclear-powered ballistic missiles with long-lasting reactor cores. They require food resupply every two weeks, maintaining high morale with quality meals. American subs use blue and gold crews for continuous deployment, with crew turnover every 77 days. Food quality decline signals the need for turnover and maintenance, lasting about 25 days. Submariners follow strict routines, with American subs known for compact size and good food quality. Submarines vary in size and amenities, with Russian Typhoon-class subs offering luxuries like saunas and pools, while others focus on essential functions during extended missions.
Operational Challenges and Solutions
Submarine crews face limited activities during periods without sunlight due to confined spaces, with the Mass serving as the primary open area. Personal space is restricted to small bunks, and communication is limited, with crew members receiving designated email addresses for family correspondence. Submarines rely on very low frequency (VLF) radio waves for underwater communication, facilitated by large transmitters in locations like Maine, Washington, and Hawaii.
India and Australia have VLF stations on their southern coasts that use very low-frequency signals to contact submarines. These signals can penetrate the ocean and be picked up by submarines up to 60 feet or 20 meters deep. However, there are limitations to using VLF signals for submarine communication, such as low bandwidth and real-time audio transmission restrictions. To overcome these challenges, submarines launch buoys to receive signals at shallower depths. Navigating underwater is challenging because GPS and radar are ineffective, and sonar can reveal the submarine's location. Submarines use inertial navigation systems and map consultation to navigate, but accuracy decreases over time. There is also the risk of collisions between submarines due to their stealth capabilities, as seen in a near miss between British and French nuclear submarines in 2009.
Conclusion
Nuclear submarines are a testament to human innovation and prowess, representing modern warfare's delicate balance of power and deterrence. Their presence beneath the waves serves as a reminder of the complexities and intricacies of naval operations, underscoring their critical role in shaping international security.
Submarines are a formidable force, even during times of peace. Their ability to disappear at will amplifies the inherent risks involved in their operation. Although rescue subs exist, they are rarely deployed. In some cases where submarines have malfunctioned, rescue attempts have failed to save the crew in time. Despite advances in submarine tracking technologies, including sonar-equipped submarines, these underwater vessels remain an essential asset for modern navies, much like during World War II. Even non-ballistic missile submarines and their torpedoes are still highly effective. Countries feel compelled to maintain a submarine fleet to counter the presence of submarines in other countries, leading to numerous submarines positioned worldwide, ready to act at a moment's notice. While some speculate that a time may come when nothing can remain hidden in the ocean's depths, that time has not yet arrived. I hope this blog about submarines has increased your knowledge and information.
