Overview
This lecture analyzes the U.S. and Russian submarine arsenals and their nuclear capabilities, highlighting structural differences and the implications for military balance.
Background of the U.S.-Russia Submarine Dispute
- Tension arose after President Trump moved two American nuclear-powered attack submarines near Russia.
- The situation involves both political signaling and military capability.
Comparing Submarine Fleets: US vs. Russia
- The U.S. has 64 active submarines, Russia has 58.
- Numbers alone are misleading; submarine types and capabilities differ greatly.
- U.S. submarines are categorized mainly as SSBNs (ballistic missile submarines) and SSNs (nuclear-powered attack submarines).
- U.S. fleet: 14 SSBNs and 50 SSNs.
- Russian fleet: 11 SSBNs, 17 nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines, and 21 diesel-electric attack submarines.
- Russian diesel-electric submarines lack the range and endurance of nuclear-powered ones.
Ballistic Missile Submarine Comparison
- U.S.: 14 Ohio-class SSBNs, each carrying up to 20 Trident II D5 missiles (with multiple nuclear warheads).
- Russia: Mainly Borei-class SSBNs (11), each carrying 16 Bulava intercontinental ballistic missiles.
- The two countries' submarines differ in size, missile capacity, and technological advancement.
Attack Submarine Comparison
- U.S.: 50 nuclear-powered attack submarines, including Virginia, Seawolf, and Los Angeles classes.
- Russia: 17 nuclear-powered attack submarines, 9 guided-missile (SSGN), and 21 diesel-electric attack submarines.
- U.S. attack submarines are generally more advanced and numerous.
Broader Nuclear Arsenal Context
- Submarines represent only part of overall nuclear capability.
- Russia has more nuclear missiles in total when considering all delivery systems (not just submarines).
Key Terms & Definitions
- SSBN — Ballistic missile submarine carrying nuclear missiles.
- SSN — Nuclear-powered attack submarine.
- SSGN — Nuclear-powered guided missile submarine.
- Ohio Class — U.S. class of SSBNs.
- Borei Class — Russian class of SSBNs.
- Trident II D5 — U.S. submarine-launched ballistic missile.
- Bulava — Russian submarine-launched ballistic missile.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the differences between SSBN, SSN, and SSGN classes.
- Research the strategic importance of nuclear-powered vs. diesel-electric submarines.