SSN and SSBN submarines are nuclear attack submarines with missile-carrying capabilities. The SSN is normally operated by two crew members. It uses torpedoes, or other missiles to target an enemy ship or submarine. In addition, the SSN can be used for intelligence gathering and classified operations.
The SSN can be used to strike enemy ships from afar, conduct surveillance, and carry out other missions. The SSN HMS Conqueror sank a Argentine Cruiser in the Falkland War. It also kept the Argentine fleet anchored. It also provided vital intelligence to the Soviet Navy. Similarly, the RN SSN fleet tracked the Soviet SSBN fleet. In 2008, there were seven active SSNs for the RN. There are only eight active SSBNs at the moment. The RN fleet is in a very dangerous position.
The RN SSN fleet has been halved since 2008, when Swiftsure class submarines were decommissioned. The new submarines, the Astute class and the Trafalgar class, developed from the Swiftsure class. They have replaced the November class, which had conventional torpedoes and a longer hull. They were later converted to an anti-aircraft-carrier role.
For Chinese patrols of the Indian Ocean by the Chinese, the Navy needs a substantial number of submarines. The navy will construct six new SSK submarines every three year starting in 2030. These submarines will be equipped with the Brahmos hypersonic cruise missile. These submarines will also be able to hunt UUVs in the enemy fleet. The Navy is also planning to integrate the VLS-launched submarine variant of the Akash or Barak-8 SAMs.
The SSBN was designed to repel detection by surface ships and long-range missile strikes. It can go underwater for nearly half a year. It is a large, powerful vessel that has an advanced refueling system as well as large weapons stores. It also has an advanced propeller system. The SSBN has the ability to carry cruise missiles as well as other weapons. SSBN submarines are often referred SSBN "killer" submarines.
The Victor Class, a large SSN submarine in the Soviet Navy, was one of the first designs to appear in 1968. These submarines had silent propulsion systems and could reach speeds of up 30 knots underwater. They had less powerful sensors than NATO submarines. They also had higher depth capabilities. They could have been very efficient in the Norwegian Sea. They would have to approach at high speeds to avoid being detected by surface patrols. They could have caused chaos and even prevented some ships from being able to assist them.
The new SSNs need to be smaller, cheaper, and more capable. A Navy technology upgrade should also be considered for small-block building. This will allow for more efficient SSNs and make them less costly to build. This is particularly true if MSR technology is successfully integrated into Navy SSNs. MSRs offer more efficiency, lower costs, and are safer than PWRs.