The military capabilities of countries around the world have grown from small warships to nuclear-powered submarines that stay underwater for weeks, if not months. Nuclear submarines are more powerful than diesel-powered submarines because nuclear reactors power them. Nuclear reactors operate for years without the need for refueling like diesel submarines. The development of the nuclear sectors has enabled many countries to build nuclear-powered submarines to defend their borders. Some of the countries with nuclear submarines are the United Kingdom, Russia, India, the United States, China and France.
Countries with nuclear submarines
United States
The United States has several nuclear submarines in three categories: cruise missiles, attack submarines and ballistic submarines. Each of the three submarines has a specific function, which is used to transport ballistic missiles. Attack submarines are used for tactical missions such as intelligence gathering, launching cruise missiles, and even sinking ships or submarines. Since the first American underground, the turtle, technological progress has made it possible to build better submarines. The United States has a total of 72 submarines which are divided into two categories: Los Angeles, Ohio, Virginia and Seawolf.
Russia
The Russian Navy has several nuclear submarines; some were inherited from Gorbachev while others were built. In total, the Russian Navy has 45 nuclear submarines in three categories: attack submarines, ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Russian Navy attack submarines can also carry land-based cruise missiles.
China
The Navy of the People’s Republic of China operates three fleets of submarines in the North Sea, South Sea and East Sea fleets. The fleets are made up of both nuclear-powered and conventional-powered submarines, including fourteen nuclear-powered submarines. Nuclear powered submarines are classified by ballistic and attack category. Submarines are then placed in different classes, namely class 091 Han, class 092 Xia, 093 Shang, 094 Jin, 095, class 96 Tang and type 098. Submarines are active and patrol the waters of the People’s Republic of China while protecting their citizens.
India
The Indian Navy has only two nuclear submarines equipped with other submarines. Both are ballistic missiles and attack submarines. The last submarine was rented to the Russians in 2012, and it has been under the Indian Navy for ten years. The attack submarine is an Akula 11 class submarine called Chakra. The other submarine is in the Arihant class and was commissioned in 2016. Both submarines are active and in the water. Apart from the two, the Indian Navy has another submarine under construction which could be commissioned in December 2017.
The future of nuclear submarines
The nuclear submarine club is growing year by year, as countries around the world see the importance of having a nuclear submarine to keep them safe. Technological advances also allow submarines to be equipped with the most advanced technology. The technology incorporated into the submarines makes it possible to fire missiles from a distance without the location of the submarine being known.
Countries with nuclear submarines
| Rank | Country | Nuclear submarines |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 72 |
| 2 | Russia | 45 |
| 3 | People’s Republic of China | 14 |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 11 |
| 5 | France | 10 |
| 6 | India | 2 |