Washington D.C./Moscow: The simmering geopolitical tensions between the United States and Russia have spilled into the deep sea, as the U.S. has moved two nuclear submarines into strategic positions in what is being described as a throwback to Cold War-era tactics. The move came in direct response to a provocative statement from former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, who had warned the U.S. of a “dead hand” tactic—a Cold War-era nuclear command system—following a jibe from President Donald Trump about Russia’s “dead economy.”
While the Kremlin has yet to officially respond to the deployment, a senior Russian lawmaker, Viktor Vodolatsky, was quick to assert Russia’s underwater dominance. “The number of Russian nuclear submarines in the world’s oceans is significantly higher than the American ones,” he stated, adding that the U.S. subs were already “under their control.”
This latest escalation puts the spotlight on the undersea strength of both nations, a crucial aspect of their military capabilities and nuclear deterrents. Here is a closer look at the submarine fleets of the U.S. and Russia.
US Submarine Fleet: The “Silent Service”
The U.S. Navy’s entire submarine fleet is nuclear-powered, consisting of three main types: ballistic missile submarines, fast-attack submarines, and a small number of guided-missile submarines. The total fleet size is around 70 submarines.
- Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs): The backbone of the U.S. sea-based nuclear deterrent is the Ohio-class. With 14 submarines in service, these vessels are known for their stealth and can carry up to 20 Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). They are designed for extended patrols, capable of operating for 15 years between major overhauls.
- Fast-Attack Submarines (SSNs): The U.S. operates several classes of fast-attack submarines designed for a variety of missions, including destroying enemy vessels, intelligence gathering, and reconnaissance.
- Virginia-class: The newest class of U.S. submarines, with over 20 in service. These subs feature numerous innovations, including special chambers for divers and support for special operations forces.
- Los Angeles-class: Making up the bulk of the fast-attack fleet, with around 24 in service. Commissioned in 1976 to counter Soviet threats, they remain highly effective due to their speed and stealth. They are armed with Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles, as well as MK-48 torpedoes.
- Seawolf-class: A smaller, specialized class with only three submarines. These are built for deep-sea missions and are heavily armed, with eight torpedo tubes and a large weapons capacity.
Russia’s Submarine Fleet: A Resurgence of Power
Russia possesses one of the world’s largest submarine fleets, with a total of around 64 vessels, according to various reports. This includes a mix of nuclear-powered and diesel-electric submarines.
- Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBNs): Russia’s strategic sea-based deterrent relies on its nuclear-powered SSBNs, with approximately 14 in service.
- Borei-class: The modern core of Russia’s strategic fleet, with eight submarines currently in service. Each is equipped with 16 Bulava SLBMs and torpedo launchers, and can also fire anti-submarine rockets and bottom mines.
- Delta IV-class: These submarines, of which six are in service, are armed with 16 Sineva SLBMs and form a significant part of Russia’s nuclear deterrent. They are being gradually replaced by the newer Borei-class.
- Fast-Attack Submarines: Russia’s attack submarines are designed to be silent, lethal, and capable of long-range strikes.
- Yasen-class: Russia has four of these advanced nuclear-powered attack submarines. They are shorter and require a smaller crew than their predecessors, and are equipped with long-range land-attack and anti-ship capabilities, including Kalibr and Oniks missiles.
- Akula-class: With about five submarines in service, the Akula-class is a formidable “silent killing machine” designed to counter the US Los Angeles-class. They can deploy a variety of missiles and torpedoes.