Additional Coverage:
US Submarines Key to Countering China’s Naval Expansion
As China’s military grows, the US Navy relies on submarines to maintain its advantage in the Indo-Pacific. China’s large surface fleet poses a threat to US naval dominance, but submarines can effectively counter this threat.
Submarines: The Silent Hunters
US submarines play a crucial role in hunting and sinking enemy warships and logistical vessels. They can operate stealthily underwater and launch torpedoes and cruise missiles, disrupting China’s plans in the Taiwan Strait and South China Sea.
Challenges and Capabilities
While submarines are formidable, advances in anti-submarine warfare make them more vulnerable. China is investing heavily in ASW technology. Additionally, submarines require resupply, which can be challenging in high-intensity battles.
US Submarine Fleet
The US Navy boasts the largest and most advanced submarine force globally, with 71 vessels deployed in the Pacific. These submarines include attack, guided-missile, and ballistic-missile submarines.
Attack submarines are the core of the fleet, capable of destroying enemy ships, while guided-missile submarines provide support with long-range munitions. Ballistic-missile submarines carry nuclear warheads as part of the country’s nuclear triad.