Typhoon / Akula-class attack submarine, K-419 Kuzbass
The oceans hide mobile, invisible, and lethal fortresses: the largest submarines in the world. With capabilities that can redefine the course of a war, these colossal machines represent one of the greatest advances in military engineering and a silent threat in times of peace.
Submerged Giants: Who Are They?
The largest submarines in the world, like Russia’s Typhoon class and the United States’ Ohio class, are true underwater cities. The Typhoon, the largest of them all, measures an impressive 175 meters in length, weighs over 48,000 tons submerged, and can carry up to 20 intercontinental nuclear missiles. Each missile has the capacity to destroy entire cities.
1. Typhoon / Akula Class (Russia)
- Length: 175 meters
- Displacement: About 48,000 tons (submerged)
- Capacity: Can carry up to 20 RSM-52 intercontinental ballistic missiles.
- Interesting Facts:
- Considered the largest submarine ever built.
- Designed during the Cold War to launch nuclear missiles from the Arctic.
- Equipped with luxurious crew facilities, including a swimming pool and sauna.
2. Borei Class (Russia)
K550 nuclear submarine, Borei Class. Photo: Wikimedia
- Length: 170 meters
- Displacement: About 24,000 tons (submerged)
- Capacity: Each submarine can carry 16 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles.
- Interesting Facts:
- Represents the new generation of Russian nuclear submarines.
- Silent and hard to detect due to advanced stealth technology.
3. Ohio Class (USA)
USS Georgia, Ohio Class. Photo: Wikimedia
- Length: 170 meters
- Displacement: About 18,750 tons (submerged)
- Capacity: Can carry 24 Trident II D5 intercontinental ballistic missiles.
- Interesting Facts:
- The largest submarine ever built by the United States.
- Some units have been converted to carry 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles.
4. Delta IV Class (Russia)
Delta IV Class nuclear ballistic missile submarine. Photo: Wikimedia
- Length: 167 meters
- Displacement: About 18,200 tons (submerged)
- Capacity: Can carry up to 16 R-29RM Shtil intercontinental ballistic missiles.
- Interesting Facts:
- Strategic submarine designed to operate in polar regions.
- Modernized with advanced electronic systems.
5. Oscar II Class (Russia)
Kursk Submarine, Oscar II Class. Photo: Wikimedia
- Length: 155 meters
- Displacement: About 24,000 tons (submerged)
- Capacity: Armed with 24 P-700 Granit cruise missiles.
- Interesting Facts:
- Known for including the Kursk submarine, which suffered a tragic accident in 2000.
- Designed to destroy aircraft carriers and large naval targets.
6. Astute Class (UK)
Astute Class submarine HMS Ambush. Photo: Wikimedia
- Length: 97 meters
- Displacement: About 7,400 tons (submerged)
- Capacity: Can carry Spearfish torpedoes and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
- Interesting Facts:
- Represents the most advanced class of British nuclear submarines.
- Can operate independently for 25 years without refueling the nuclear reactor.
The Devastating Power of a Single Submarine
Imagine a single submarine navigating silently underwater, carrying enough firepower to obliterate entire countries.
- A submarine from the Ohio class in the USA, for example, can carry 24 Trident II missiles, each equipped with multiple independent nuclear warheads. This means a single launch can hit dozens of targets simultaneously.
- Modern submarines, like Russia’s Borei class, feature stealth technology that makes them virtually undetectable. They can operate for months at extreme depths, waiting for orders to strike.
Why Are They Called the Silent Threat?
Nuclear submarines not only ensure maritime supremacy but also form the backbone of global nuclear deterrence. Their invisible presence poses a constant threat:
- Submerged Operations: Capable of operating in complete secrecy, they can launch attacks without any prior warning.
- Extreme Autonomy: Many of these submarines can navigate for months without surfacing, thanks to nuclear power.
- Versatile Armament: Besides nuclear missiles, they can be equipped with cruise missiles, torpedoes, and even underwater drones.
A Look to the Future
While current giants like the Typhoon and Ohio dominate
the seas, new generations are emerging. The UK’s Dreadnought class promises to set a benchmark, with even more sophisticated nuclear deterrence capabilities and cutting-edge stealth technologies.
Photos: Wikimedia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
