Top 5 nuclear ballistic missile submarines

Thanks to the current reasonable development strategy, the Russian Navy possesses a class of ballistic missile submarines that dominate the ocean.

Currently in the world, nuclear submarines equipped with ballistic missiles are one of the most difficult weapons to detect and stop, they can destroy any target in the world.

Ballistic missile submarines are one of the three components of the nuclear triad of Russia, the US, the UK, France, India (in testing) and China. They are designed and used at different levels to suit the requirements of each country such as attack, stealth, defense, reconnaissance, etc.

The magazine “Slovo and Delo” has listed the top 5 nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) equipped in the arsenals of the most developed countries in the world today.

1. Project 885 “Yasen” submarine

To date, the leader of the Yasen class is the Russian Project 885 ship “Severodvinsk”. Nicknamed the deep-sea monster, the ship was commissioned into the Russian Navy after more than half a century of research and development.

All nuclear submarines of project 885 have a new structure made of low-magnetic steel, which allows the submarine to dive to a depth of 600 m (normal submarines do not exceed 300 m) and possibly more, making them invulnerable to modern anti-submarine weapons. The torpedo tubes are located in the center of the stern compartment, allowing the placement of antennas of the new hydroacoustic system on the bow of the submarine.

In the central part of the ship are 8 multi-purpose vertical missile launchers. They can place 3M55 “Oniks” tactical anti-ship missiles (24 missiles, 3 missiles in each launcher). In addition, this submarine can use Kh-35 tactical missiles, Kh-101 strategic cruise missiles or ZM-14E P-900 “Klub” complexes, which can destroy any target at a distance of 5000 km.

“After sea trials and thorough testing, the Severodvinsk has shown results that exceeded expectations. Theoretically, the ship can cause serious damage to American aircraft carriers. If all 32 Kalibr cruise missiles on board are launched, the ship can destroy the aircraft carrier” and its escorts, military analyst Alex Leonkov told the magazine “Slovo and Delo”.

The main advantage of the submarine of the “Yasen” project is low noise level due to low-magnetic steel and special magnetic coating, which makes the ship the quietest submarine in the world. The price of “Severodvinsk” is about 47 billion rubles.

2. Nuclear submarine “Seawolf”

Taking second place is the fourth generation American “Seawolf”, which is in the same class as the Russian “Yasen” class submarine.

The ship is even made of HY 100 steel with high durability, helping the ship to maneuver faster. Regarding the propulsion system, the submarine “Seawolf” is equipped with an S6G nuclear reactor, along with two gas turbines connected to the same shaft, thanks to which the ship reaches a speed of 25 knots on the surface and 35 knots when submerged. According to Western experts, the ship has a propulsion system that is 7 times quieter than the first generation of the “Los Angeles” class submarine.

The Seawoolf submarine is mainly armed to destroy surface ships and attack coastal targets with Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles, but its mission capabilities are still far inferior to the Russian Oniks. Moreover, the American submarine is also inferior to the Yasen class submarines in terms of speed. Thus, in the event of a battle between these two submarines, it can be seen that the superiority is completely on the side of the Russian Yasen submarine.

3. Virginia class submarine

The fourth-generation Virginia-class submarine is the main force of the US Navy, it is also much cheaper than the Seawolf, so it is a strategic priority and is being developed strongly. According to analyst Alex Leonkov, the main firepower of this submarine is cruise missiles, but compared to the new Russian missiles, the US cruise missiles are 2.5 times worse, moreover, the US submarine class is not equipped with as many torpedo tubes as the Russian ones.

The main advantage of the “Virginia” is that it differs from other submarines in that it is designed in a special modular style that allows for amphibious operations. In addition, they can deploy commandos and carry out reconnaissance missions.

4. French Navy submarine 'Triumfan"

The French “Le Triompant” class SSBNs differ from other submarines in that they are equipped with a high-tech generator, which allows the submarine to maintain maximum operational capabilities even in emergency situations. Furthermore, French submarines typically have relatively high submerged speeds (around 25 knots) and highly durable hulls.

However, the equipment on the “Triumfan” is far inferior to its Russian and American counterparts. The French submarine is equipped with the M45 solid-fuel strategic ballistic missile, which has technical characteristics and maneuverability far inferior to those of Russia and the United States. Currently, France is trying to upgrade its weapons with the new M51 strategic missile, but the tests in 2013 failed, the missile exploded when leaving the launch pad.

5. Project 094 “Jin” submarine of the Chinese Navy

The Chinese submarine of the “Jin” project was created in the 90s with significant technological support from the Russian design bureau “Rubin”. Therefore, the ship resembles the Soviet submarine of the project 667BDRM “Dolphin”. Although they are quite similar, China has succeeded in upgrading it, especially in reducing noise.

The Type 094 nuclear submarine can carry 12 JL-2 ballistic missiles with a very long range. These missiles are the underwater version of China's latest land-based strategic missile. Russian experts believe that the JL-2 is a separate development for submarines.

However, compared with the Russian submarine "Yasen" they are absolutely no match.

Thus, it can be seen that Russian nuclear submarines, thanks to being equipped with the most modern technical equipment, firepower systems, stealth..., have superior features compared to submarines of other countries. In the event of a combat mission or conflict, their capabilities far exceed the combat capabilities of American, French and Chinese submarines.

According to Baodatviet